NFL insider reveals the real reason why Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded back to Dolphins

Many were surprised that the Steelers included Minkah Fitzpatrick in their deal with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Fitzpatrick made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections in his time with in Pittsburgh, while also recording 18 interceptions and three pick-sixes in 88 games.

One NFL insider explained why he thinks the Steelers had no issues with the safety being traded.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac revealed on social media that the team was not actively looking for a trade partner for the defensive back. However, the Steelers were unhappy with his lack of splash plays over the past two years.

“Steelers were not actively trying to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they were willing to listen to any team who showed interest. They felt the absence of splash plays the past two years was not commensurate with what they were paying him,” Dulac tweeted on July 1.

Fitzpatrick recorded 11 interceptions, including a league-high six in 2022, during his first three years with Pittsburgh. He also had three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries from 2019 to 2021. However, in the 27 games he played in 2023 and 2024, he only had one interception, zero forced fumbles and zero fumble recoveries.

The Steelers will likely miss the qualities Fitzpatrick brings to their secondary, but the team got a nice return from the deal.

Several analysts believe Pittsburgh is the winner of the trade. It acquired a seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback in Ramsey, a 2027 seventh-round draft pick and a Pro Bowl tight end in Smith.

Fans will get a preview of what the Steelers secondary will look like without Fitzpatrick when they starts training camp on July 24.

Who will replace Minkah Fitzpatrick with the Steelers?

Juan Thornhill had a great start to his career, but his output suffered a dip in the past two years. His performance has drastically declined since he joined the Cleveland Browns in 2023.

Thornhill will have an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top defensive back in the Steelers' secondary after Minkah Fitzpatrick's departure.

Thornhill has missed 12 games through injuries in the last two seasons, so Pittsburgh will need him to remain healthy. He could regain his elite status if he can maintain his fitness to cover Fitzpatrick's absence.

Jalen Ramsey is a cornerback, but the Steelers may also employ him as a safety, slot cornerback or use him on the outside whenever needed.