The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded for Dolphins defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Here’s what it could mean for the team moving forward.
The Steelers aren’t typically a team that is known for making bold moves under Kevin Colbert, but tonight that all changed. In the wake of the devastating Ben Roethlisberger news, Pittsburgh did something out of the ordinary.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Steelers just traded their 2020 first-round pick in exchange for Miami Dolphins defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick:
TRADE: Steelers are trading a 2020 first-round pick to the Dolphins for DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2019
This news comes as a surprise to many, as it doesn’t seem like one that Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert typically make.
After an aggressive 2019 NFL Draft that had Colbert trading up to the 10th overall pick to land linebacker Devin Bush, the Steelers make their second massive splash move in a matter of months.
Minkah Fitzpatrick was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and was considered one of the few blue-chip players in his draft class. The talented defensive back wasn’t happy with his current situation in Miami and looks to find a better home in Pittsburgh.
It’s still unclear how Pittsburgh will plan to deploy Fitzpatrick, as he has the versatility and experience to play all over the secondary. Trading for Fitzpatrick gives Pittsburgh security at free safety and slot cornerback if Sean Davis or Mike Hilton is to walk following 2019 season.
Minkah still has three years remaining on his rookie deal, plus the fifth-year option.
The Steelers are off to an 0-2 start, and Pittsburgh is putting all of their marbles into the ‘Mason Rudolph’ basket to carry this team. Let’s hope the Steelers can turn things around and not lose out on this deal.