Steelers Quickly Have 3 Great Answers To Minkah Fitzpatrick's Departure

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move to part ways with former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick recently. The trade was a blockbuster that sent Fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins, where he began his NFL career. In return, the Steelers received tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a deal that immediately shook up both the offense and the secondary in Pittsburgh.

The idea of Ramsey lining up alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay has fans excited about the potential of an elite cornerback trio. However, Fitzpatrick's departure has created serious concern about the state of the safety room. While the Steelers have expressed confidence in Juan Thornhill as a potential replacement, there is still uncertainty about whether the current group has the talent and consistency to maintain the high standard Fitzpatrick set.

Despite the uncertainty, the Steelers have several options available to reinforce the position. If General Manager Omar Khan decides to explore the free agent market, there are three standout safeties who could immediately step in and provide stability. Adding one of them could help ease the loss of Fitzpatrick and keep the Steelers' defense among the most dangerous in the league.

1.) Justin Simmons

The first option is also the most popular. Justin Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowl safety known for playing at a high level throughout his career. However, some question whether the 31-year-old still has the same impact left in his game. 

Currently a free agent, Simmons is expected to command a market value around $5.7 million, a price the Steelers could comfortably afford. Many believe that adding a seasoned veteran like Simmons would be a smart move to bring leadership and stability to the safety position.

2.) Jordan Whitehead

Jordan Whitehead is another intriguing option for Pittsburgh after putting together a solid 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At 28 years old with seven years of NFL experience, Whitehead brings a strong combination of youth and veteran savvy.

He would be an affordable addition and could immediately boost the depth and competition in the Steelers’ safety room. While not as flashy as some bigger names, Whitehead’s consistency and physical style of play make him a compelling target. He's also versatile as a safety and can play both strong and free, which is something Pittsburgh would like.

3.) Julian Blackmon

Julian Blackmon had a solid 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded three interceptions and earned a 69.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, which is impressive considering he played through an injury for most of the year.

Blackmon played the entire season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. To reduce the strain on his shoulder, the Colts moved him from strong safety to free safety midway through the season. After the year ended, Blackmon had surgery to repair the injury, which could explain why he is still available but he remains a strong option for Khan and the Steelers. 

Steelers' Safety Room Suddenly Looks Thin After Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade

After the Steelers made the decision to trade away Fitzpatrick, the safety room clearly took a hit. It was a move Mike Tomlin believed the team could manage, as he remains confident in Thornhill and DeShon Elliott to step up as starters. The concern, however, comes if injuries occur and the depth behind them is tested.

Elliott did a great job in his first season in the Steel City during the 2024 season. Many Steelers fans are confident he will thrive again in 2025. However, there's still concern about the depth chart. That uncertainty is exactly why many Steelers fans believe Khan should bring in another safety. It will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh chooses to add one of the veteran free agents still available.

#SteelerNation