Steelers' Star Defender Poised For Legitimate Bounce-Back Season After Certain Key Offseason Changes

The Pittsburgh Steelers have rostered the highest-paid defense in the NFL over the last several seasons, and that trend will continue into the 2025 campaign. One of the main reasons for that is the countless stars that Pittsburgh has on that side of the ball. This includes players within the front seven like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Patrick Queen, as well as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary. Many fans within Steeler Nation have been upset with Fitzpatrick's play over the last couple of seasons however, as the safety has struggled to make the same splash plays that he made during the start of his time in Pittsburgh.

Fitzpatrick came over to the Steelers in a trade during the 2019 NFL season. He was acquired from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a first-round pick in 2020, and the trade certainly wound up working out for the Steelers. Fitzpatrick has been a terrific safety since arriving, but he has struggled to be as impactful in recent years, mostly due to injuries, and his continuously changing role as a star defender. He has only had one interception over the last two seasons combined, but insider Mike DeFabo believes there is a chance the safety will return to his old form in 2025.

"However, with schematic changes to the defense that mirror Fitzpatrick’s college assignments at Alabama, a better third safety (Juan Thornhill) who will put Fitzpatrick in different places, a new secondary coach and corners more capable of playing man coverage (which often leads to tips and overthrows), it wouldn’t be surprising to see the splash return."

Pittsburgh's defense absolutely collapsed to end the 2024 season. The team went on a five-game losing streak, and a big reason for that was the defense not being able to stop anybody. The defense didn't look anything close to the highest-paid unit it was supposed to be. For this reason, fans should expect some schematic changes, which hopefully will help Fitzpatrick return to his prior form.

DeFabo also mentioned the addition of Juan Thornhill as a factor that could free up Fitzpatrick in the secondary. Thornhill has been an underrated free agent signing. He has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs in the past, so he knows what a winning environment looks like. He is also a sure tackler. The secondary around Fitzpatrick should be better than it has ever been, which should allow the All-Pro safety to use his instincts much more to make some great plays for the Pittsburgh defense.

Joey Porter Jr. should be able to take another step forward during the 2025 season as well, while Darius Slay will be able to lock down the other side of the field. DeShon Elliott just signed an extension after having the best season of his career, and Thornhill is arguably the best third safety the Steelers have had under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

Fitzpatrick had 17 interceptions over his first four seasons in Pittsburgh, but that rising total has slowed. The fan base wants to see that number increase, and the schematic changes, as well as the roster upgrades, should help Fitzpatrick be able to do that.

Steelers' Defensive Line Upgrades Will Also Help Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Steelers placed an emphasis on upgrading the defensive line throughout the 2025 offseason. The unit needed to get better and younger, which is why the team used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Derrick Harmon. The young defender is able to consistently get a push on the inside of the defensive line to pressure the opposing quarterback, and he is also a great person to have in the middle of the defense to stop the run, as is fifth-round selection Yahya Black. 

The newer and younger defensive line will help pressure the quarterback, which should force opposing offenses into making more mistakes. This is great for the secondary, especially Fitzpatrick as he looks to return to his old form.

What do you expect from Fitzpatrick in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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