The Pittsburgh Steelers should have already made a move for Dolphins DB Minkah Fitzpatrick. Here’s why they are a perfect match.
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t known for making out-of-the-box moves. However, when the Dolphins gave Minkah Fitzpatrick permission to seek a trade, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin should have been jumping at the opportunity.
There are whispers that the Dolphins are asking for a 2nd round pick, but maybe willing to settle for less. Here are three reasons why Minkah Fitzpatrick is a perfect fit in a Steelers uniform:
Steelers have poor safety depth:
Sean Davis hasn’t been able to stay on the field all offseason, and he is in a contract year. Kameron Kelly really struggled in his first NFL action and he may not be trustworthy as a backup free safety.
Davis now has a lot of leverage to hold over the Steelers in contract negotiations. Despite earning just 1 interception in his last 17 NFL games, Pittsburgh is desperate for better options. Fortunately, they are in luck.
The Miami Dolphins have put Minkah Fitzpatrick on the trade block, and the Steelers are hurting big-time at the free safety position. Fitzpatrick recently complained about being played out of position – claiming that the Dolphins are using him as a box safety when that isn’t his natural fit.
The Steelers are in desperate need of a free safety who has the range and coverage ability that Fitzpatrick possesses. He could step right in on nickel and dime packages and could push Sean Davis for his job once he learns the ropes.
The price is right
General manager, Kevin Colbert, really isn’t into making blockbuster trades; that’s just now how he operates. He’s the type of GM who would rather use cap space on keeping his own players around.
However, that philosophy hasn’t worked out so great as of late. Pittsburgh has busted on players like Artie Burns, Jarvis Jones, Senquez Golson, and maybe even Bud Dupree. Fortunately for the Steelers, the asking price for Minkah Fitzpatrick is well within reason.
There Dolphins are rumored to be seeking a second-round draft choice in exchange for last year’s 11th overall pick. Fitzpatrick was considered a blue-chip player entering the NFL Draft, and the 22-year old defensive back still holds a lot of value. With the way Pittsburgh has drafted since 2013, they shouldn’t hesitate to give up that high of a pick for Minkah.
Apart from draft compensation, Minkah Fitzpatrick has three cheap years remaining on his rookie deal, plus the fifth-year option. The Steelers currently have just $3.175 million in cap space, but that is enough to add Fitzpatrick to the team without having to restructure anyone’s contract.
It’s rare to find this type of talent for such a cheap fee.
Fitzpatrick could be the long-term answer at free safety
The Steelers have a lot of question marks at the safety position, but acquiring Fitzpatrick could clear some of those up. Sean Davis had the best year of his career in 2018, but it’s unclear whether or not Pittsburgh will be able to retain him.
There is a chance that Davis could hit the market and leave the Steelers hunting for a free safety. If he does decide to return, the Steelers will be forced to pay him for limited production.
Davis isn’t known for making big plays, as evidenced by his 1 interception since the end of 2017. Minkah had two picks as a rookie and is more of a playmaker on the back end.
Unlike Sean Davis, Fitzpatrick is still under contract for potentially four more seasons (including this year). This would give the Steelers more than enough time to figure out whether or not he is the long-term solution to the problem at free safety.
Players like Minkah Fitzpatrick don’t become available every day. Landing a former 11th overall pick just one year removed from his rookie season isn’t the bold type of move that Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin typically like to make. However, this one makes sense for more reasons than one. Steelers should pull the trigger soon.