When Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the Miami Dolphins last summer, it seemed like the Pittsburgh Steelers had struck gold. Fitzpatrick, coming off a less-than-stellar season, was swapped for former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. On paper, it looked like a win for Pittsburgh.
Fast forward less than a year, and the trade's looking more like a misstep for the Steelers. Recent reports have added salt to the wound.
Fitzpatrick bounced back in Miami, earning a top-five safety grade from Pro Football Focus. Now, the Dolphins are reportedly shopping the former All-Pro for a draft pick, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
With Jeff Hafley at the helm, the Dolphins are reshaping their roster, moving away from older, costly players. Fitzpatrick appears to be next in line.
This development gives the Steelers another reason to lament their blockbuster trade involving Fitzpatrick.
Reflecting on the 2025 season, it's clear the Steelers didn't fare well. Jalen Ramsey underperformed at cornerback, forcing a mid-season switch to safety. Jonnu Smith, meanwhile, struggled to make an impact in Pittsburgh.
In contrast, Fitzpatrick thrived in Miami with an impressive 81.8 PFF grade, overshadowing Ramsey’s 64.4 from 2025.
Now, Miami is looking to capitalize on Fitzpatrick’s resurgence by trading him for a draft pick. If they succeed, it will further highlight Pittsburgh's miscalculation.
By shedding the hefty contracts of Ramsey and Smith, Miami not only gained a strong season from Fitzpatrick but could also secure a valuable draft pick.
Given Fitzpatrick's age and contract, a fourth or fifth-round pick seems plausible. Alternatively, Miami might use him to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Regardless of the outcome, the Dolphins stand to gain more than anticipated. While hindsight is 20/20, it's evident the Steelers ended up on the losing side of the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. If the Dolphins manage to snag a mid-round pick for him, the sting for Steelers fans will only deepen.