Steelers Have Zero Chance Of Trading Minkah Fitzpatrick Due To One Looming Issue

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several important decisions to make over the course of the 2025 NFL offseason. Not only does Pittsburgh have a considerable amount of uncertainty on the offensive side and at quarterback, but the Steelers' defense also needs to make major adjustments despite having one of the highest paid units in the league. In a time where the Steelers could be potentially close to hitting the reset button, many insiders and analysts have become curious about the possibility of trading away star players to build towards the future. 

If you asked a typical NFL fan who Pittsburgh's top three defensive play-makers are, the response would in all likelihood include TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Despite being five years older than Watt and seven years older than Pittsburgh's star safety, Heyward's 2024 campaign was better than the other two. The fan base isn't too concerned about Watt's seemingly shaky end to the season, considering he still racked up over 11 sacks on the year.

However, the Steel City is far more worried about Fitzpatrick's performance this past season than anyone else's. The 28-year-old star safety, who was traded for by the black and gold in 2019, has had major issues taking the ball away over the last two years. In his first four seasons with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick picked off 17 passes and returned three of those for touchdowns. He went without a single interception in 2023 and didn't end up getting his first pick of 2024 until late in the year during Week 16.

Many fans are ready to move on from Fitzpatrick, whether that would require the team to trade or release him. Ray Fittipaldo with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, however, recently explained to fans why trading Fitzpatrick is nearly impossible for the Steelers. 

"[Minkah Fitzpatrick's] un-trade-able because of that contract," Fittipaldo said on Friday. "The dead money involved for the Steelers, the acquiring team would be on the hook for a lot of money, and if his skills are diminishing, why would you trade for a guy that you're gonna have to pay a 16 million dollar salary for the next two years?"

After his career-high of six interceptions in 2022, the Steelers signed their star safety to a four-year deal that ends in 2027, which pays over $73.6 million. If a team was interested in trading for Fitzpatrick, they'd be taking on a lot of money for a safety that hasn't played up to his standards. 

For the Steelers fans who are ready to move on from Fitzpatrick, buckle up. Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff still hold great confidence in Fitzpatrick despite the lack of splash at safety. If the Steelers plan to trade any big-time players away, Fitzpatrick will not be one of the names dealt. 

Steelers Likely Won't Send Off Fitzpatrick Or George Pickens Via Trade

Wideout George Pickens has had the most trade buzz, when it comes to those on the Steelers' roster, after a 2024 season filled with drama. Many reporters like Fittipaldo believe the Steelers could move on from Pickens and trade him before the final year of his rookie contract, but the organization hasn't shown much interest in the idea just yet. 

There's a long offseason ahead of them and a trade of Pickens could still be on the table. If the Steelers manage a way to sign or trade for a stud free agent receiver and draft a young option with a bright future, Pickens' time in Pittsburgh could be dwindling. Until then, Pickens is the Steelers' best offensive weapon and it would be a shame to see such a generational talent go. 

What do you think the Steelers should do about Fitzpatrick going forward? Will he ever get back on track and create game-changing plays, or should Pittsburgh look to move on from him soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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