The trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Steelers to the Miami Dolphins caught many NFL fans off guard. This decision helped Miami land Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, but they had to give up one of their brightest stars. An NFL insider has now revealed the reason behind this surprising move.
Pittsburgh had no issues with the trade. According to Sportskeeda, the team didn’t actively try to trade Fitzpatrick, but they were open to listening to offers from interested franchises for the three-time All-Pro.
The potential reason, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Gazette, was that “they felt the lack of splash plays in the last two years didn’t justify his salary.” That’s what Dulac posted on his X account.
How will Minkah Fitzpatrick do with the Miami Dolphins this season? pic.twitter.com/fVy6Zbatrh
— ThePhinstones (@The_Phinstones) July 8, 2025
In his early years with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick recorded 11 interceptions, including six in 2022, which set a league record. He also forced three fumbles and recovered four between 2019 and 2021. However, during the 27 games he played between 2023 and 2024, he only registered one interception, no forced fumbles, and no fumble recoveries.
According to some analysts, the Fitzpatrick trade worked in Pittsburgh’s favor, as the team acquired a cornerback with an outstanding résumé in Jalen Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Still, they might miss Fitzpatrick’s unique skills and instincts once NFL training camp begins.
Who could replace Minkah Fitzpatrick?
After Fitzpatrick’s departure, Juan Thornhill has a chance to step in as a top-tier defensive back in the Steelers’ secondary. However, he must first recover fully from injuries that sidelined him over the past two seasons. If Thornhill manages to stay healthy, he could regain his elite status and help fill the void left by a star like Fitzpatrick.
