Hold off on the excitement, as Minkah Fitzpatrick isn’t eligible to be traded back to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's unknown if the former star safety would even welcome a return. His only avenue to join the Steelers would be if he got cut by the Miami Dolphins. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Fitzpatrick was added to the trade block just before the trade deadline.
Several NFL teams would likely be interested in acquiring the former star defensive player. The Steelers unexpectedly traded the safety after six years in Pittsburgh, during which he recorded only one interception during his last two years with the Steelers.
His lack of turnovers was disturbing, which led to a shocking trade this past offseason between the Dolphins and the Steelers.
Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith were sent to Pittsburgh, while Fitzpatrick found his way back in Miami, the place where he was originally drafted. The move hasn't been perfect for either side, but it's clear the Steelers are the obvious winners of this move. Pittsburgh sits with a 5-3 record heading into the trade deadline, and the Dolphins could sell Fitzpatrick for pennies on the dollar.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is available on the trade block
Fitzpatrick might not be the star player he once was when he first joined the Steelers, but the veteran remains a solid safety in the NFL. If someone trades for him, they shouldn't envision a game-changing player in the secondary. Instead, they should see a reliable player who can cause a turnover once in a while. His status around the NFL shouldn't be carried by his name alone.
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Acquiring Fitzpatrick to a roster full of stars on the defensive side would solidify a club looking to contend. The Steelers would love to have the safety back with the number of injuries that have hampered the position this season, but it's not possible. Once a team trades a player, it cannot reacquire him in another trade for two years, making a reunion nearly impossible.
Don't be shocked if this ex-Steelers player finds himself on another team after only nine weeks back in Miami.
Minkah is expected to attract significant trade interest, though it will depend on whether the Dolphins can make his contract work with the acquiring team. That could create some roadblocks along the way. Pittsburgh better cross its fingers that Fitzpatrick doesn't land on an AFC contender.
After the Dolphins parted ways with their General Manager on November 1, it is unclear how many players might be placed on the trade block. The Steelers should be calling Miami to see if they are willing to do business.
Most NFL teams can smell blood in the water with the Dolphins, and they are ready to sell. They could have several options that could entice Pittsburgh to make a trade.