Steelers Eye Minkah Fitzpatrick Reunion: What’s on the Horizon?
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly in discussions to trade All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. This move comes less than a year after Fitzpatrick's return to Miami from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fitzpatrick, with a season left on his Dolphins contract, is set to earn $15.6 million in 2026. Trading or releasing him before June 1 would hit Miami with a $13 million dead cap but save over $5.8 million against the cap. This financial maneuvering could be crucial if the Dolphins can't find a trading partner for Tagovailoa, whose release would cost a staggering $99 million dead cap hit.
Steelers in the Mix?
Bryan DeArdo from CBS Sports has identified the Steelers as a potential landing spot for Fitzpatrick, albeit with some hurdles. NFL rules prevent the Steelers from reacquiring Fitzpatrick through trade until his contract expires, he becomes an unrestricted free agent, or two years have passed since his trade to Miami.
Reuniting Fitzpatrick with the likes of Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh sounds like a dream for Steelers fans.
Adding Fitzpatrick to a defensive lineup that includes Jalen Ramsey, who joined last summer, could bolster a secondary that struggled due to injuries. DeShon Elliott, returning from injury, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr., coming off a stellar season, would round out a formidable defensive backfield.
The Roadblocks
The main obstacle? The NFL's restriction on trading a player back to their previous team within two years of a trade. This means the Steelers could only bring Fitzpatrick back if the Dolphins release him, which seems unlikely.
Fitzpatrick’s Miami Stats
During his first season back in Miami, Fitzpatrick's impact wasn't quite as explosive as his time with the Steelers from 2019-24, where he earned five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors. Last season, he posted 82 tackles, four tackles for loss, six passes defended, two quarterback hits, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries over 14 games - his lowest statistical output since his rookie year.
As the situation unfolds, the Steelers and their fans will be watching closely, hoping for a scenario that brings Fitzpatrick back to Pittsburgh, where he made a significant mark on the franchise.