A surprise move by the Pittsburgh Steelers saw safety Minkah Fitzpatrick return to the Miami Dolphins after more than five years. Most of the league was taken aback by the trade, and while Mason Rudolph didn’t express shock, he paid a touching tribute to the five-time Pro Bowler, a testament to the impact Fitzpatrick left on the quarterback in a short time.
Mason Rudolph Drops Heartfelt Farewell Message for ‘Ultimate Leader’ Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Steelers acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick from the Dolphins in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Steelers clearly were the winners of the trade, but losing Fitzpatrick is still a blow to their secondary.
During his 88-game tenure in the Steel City, the former Alabama product pulled down 18 interceptions and returned three for touchdowns. In addition, the 28-year-old made five Pro Bowls and earned three All-Pro nods. He was a leader in the secondary, as well as for Rudolph, who is a year older than him.
Fitzpatrick left a lasting impact on Rudolph during their time together in Pittsburgh, as evident in the former Tennessee Titans quarterback’s farewell message for the All-Pro safety.
“Ultimate pro, ultimate leader. See you when I see you,” he wrote, sharing a picture of the two shaking hands in practice.
Mason Rudolph gives high praise to Minkah Fitzpatrick. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vdJmezsrPt
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) July 2, 2025
Rudolph was selected 76th overall by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL draft but didn’t find much success in his first six seasons with the team. He went 3-0 as a starter in his final season but was released soon after and signed with the Titans on a one-year deal in 2024. The 29-year-old managed to win one of the four games he started in Tennessee but returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year, $8 million deal this offseason.
Rudolph was poised to be a starter until June 2025, when the Steelers finally made Aaron Rodgers put pen to paper on a one-year, $13.65 million deal.
Still, Rudolph remained professional throughout the process. He said the situation won’t change how he prepares and that he’ll continue to contribute however he can. Now, with Rodgers expected to take over as the starting quarterback, Rudolph is prepared to take on a backup role, just as he did during his first stint with the franchise.
While fans are eager to see Rodgers take the field, Rudolph stands out as one of the most capable backup quarterbacks in the league, thanks to his deep familiarity with Pittsburgh’s system. His understanding of the situation reflects a player who has grown and matured throughout his career. If not this season, he could very well start for the Steelers next, as Rodgers is set to retire after 2025.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s now that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is gone the only good player in the Steelers secondary is CB Joey Porter Jr. and I hope the Steelers give CB Cory Trice Jr. at the shot at the starting CB position because CB Jalen Ramsey is washed up the quarterbacks aren’t sacred to throw in Jalen Ramsey’s direction and Jalen Ramsey is over paid also