Minkah Fitzpatrick, being recently traded to the Miami Dolphins by the Pittsburgh Steelers, made some shocking waves across the league. The Steelers traded Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in return for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonny Smith. While Miami fans are definitely happy to see Fitzpatrick play again for his very first team in the NFL, many analysts are raising their doubts about the safety’s current state of performance.
In the 2024 NFL season, Fitzpatrick managed only 62 solo tackles for the Steelers. On taking a closer look at his stats, it is pretty clear that the safety’s numbers have been steadily decreasing over the years. ESPN writer, Jeremy Fowler, had much to say about this through a tweet, while also comparing Fitzpatrick to Jalen Ramsey, for whom he was actually traded.
“Minkah Fitzpatrick is still a top-1o safety, but evaluators around the league have seen some decline, and trade whispers regarding his future first surfaced in March. They’ve seen decline in Ramsey, too, but his versatility becomes valuable – he can play on outside, nickel or safety.” Jeremy Fowler wrote about Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey in his tweet on X.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (left) and Jalen Ramsey (right). Photo credits: Imagn
Minkah Fitzpatrick (left) and Jalen Ramsey (right). Photo credits: Imagn
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s move to the Miami Dolphins also has many analysts and game pundits condemning the Pittsburgh Steelers. While his numbers may not have been top notch over the last couple of seasons, the safety is definitely an experienced player in their locker room and also goes pretty easy on the wallet.
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Trade Weakens Pittsburgh’s Defense
Minkah Fitzpatrick leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers means that the team will need to rework their defense in preparation for their upcoming NFL season. The Steelers did bring in Jalen Ramsey, who managed two interceptions for the Dolphins in the previous football season. However, it is still doubtful as to how Ramsey will be helping Pittsburgh’s defense in the 2025 season.
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It is clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking forward to an improved version of themselves in the upcoming football season. The team has roped in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lead their offense and has even strategized their roster to match his energy.
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Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) reacts as he takes the field to play the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Steelers definitely did not do much homework on their defense and with Fitzpatrick out of the locker room, the team really needs to focus on this or face the danger of tanking in the upcoming season. Otherwise, the team looks pretty solid with Rodgers himself admitting that he expects the Steelers to make a good run for the Super Bowl in the upcoming season.
Source: Jeremy Fowler’s X account
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