Steelers May Have Hidden Reasoning For Trading Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently shocked the entire NFL world with one of the biggest trades of the 2025 offseason. Pittsburgh traded three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange of Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey, as the Steelers now find themselves with significant upgrades on both sides of the ball. Fitzpatrick, who spent the last six seasons in Pittsburgh, officially finds himself in Miami for a second stint with the Dolphins after originally being drafted by the team in 2018.

The move came as a complete shock to many, as there were little to no rumors regarding a Fitzpatrick trade throughout the offseason. Fitzpatrick was a star throughout his time in Pittsburgh's secondary, but his recent decline in play throughout the past few seasons may have played a major role in the blockbuster deal. The veteran safety has two years left on an extremely pricey contract as well, as the former Steeler will attempt to play at a high level once again in Miami.

With speculation surrounding the trade continuing to run rampant, NFL insider Mike Florio took a moment to share his thoughts on the deal.

"Something weird was going on." Florio stated. "Mike Tomlin is the king of taking something that for any other team would be out in the open and we'd know, and it would be a full blown disfunction, and they keep a lid on it."

Florio then went on to speak about Fitzpatrick, claiming that he feels as if there could be an underlying reason for why the Steelers ended up trading the superstar defender.

"I'm waiting for the reports to come out as we get closer to training camp about whatever the issues were between the Steelers and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It just feels like they were lying in the weeds waiting for an opportunity to make that move."

Many fans share an opinion similar to Florio's, as social media continues to discuss theories following the blockbluster trade. Despite the loss of Fitzpatrick, the Steelers now have one of the better tight end rooms in all of football, while adding significant upgrades to the secondary as well. Smith, who had a career year in 2024, should have no problem picking up right where he left off in Miami, and is expected to thrive with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback.

Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and nine-year veteran, is nothing short of an elite cornerback who has proven to be a major factor at every stage of his career. Ramsey will play a crucial role in Pittsburgh's secondary, as the veteran cornerback's elite athleticism may allow for him to play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball. 

Ramsey should play a massive role off the field as well, as a veteran of his caliber will be the perfect mentor towards younger cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr.

Steelers May Add Veteran Depth To The WR Room Despite Acquiring Jonnu Smith

With Smith and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are expected to turn their attention towards adding wide receiver depth behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll. Austin, who reportedly continues to shine throughout the offseason, is a rising star who will look to have a breakout year throughout the final season of his rookie deal. With multiple options remaining available in free agency, the Steelers continue to find themselves linked to Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis.

Cooper, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills last year in a midseason deal, would prove to be a solid veteran option and could potentially challenge Austin for the wide receiver two slot as well. The former Bill had what was widely considered to be a down year in 2024, but would be nothing short of an elite third option behind the Steelers' top two playmakers. Cooper would emerge as a cheaper option as well, as the veteran continues to enter the later stage of his career.

Davis, who reportedly had an excellent visit to Pittsburgh earlier in the offseason, is a solid wideout who would be a respectable third option behind Metcalf and Austin. Davis shined throughout his time as a Bill with Josh Allen, as he was unable to produce at a high level during his lone season as a Jacksonville Jaguar. As the former Bill continues to weigh his options in free agency, a decision is expected to be made prior to the start of training camp.

As fans continue to voice their opinions on the blockbuster deal, Smith and Ramsey are expected to play a major role in the Steelers' success throughout the 2025 season. Florio's comments should not come as a surprise either, as many believe there may be multiple underlying factors that prompted the Fitzpatrick deal. With Ramsey and Smith both officially in Pittsburgh, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the teams' newest stars practicing in full pads at the start of training camp.

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