The Pittsburgh Steelers’ aggressive offseason continued Monday with another headline-grabbing move: trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and late-round draft capital to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
While the acquisition of Ramsey strengthens an already promising secondary, Fitzpatrick’s departure naturally raises one big question: who’s replacing him?
According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, the plan is already taking shape.
“Their new defense will include Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Joey Porter Jr. on the field at all times with few exceptions,” Dulac reported, citing team sources.
This potential alignment gives us a sneak peek at what could be one of the NFL’s most versatile secondaries. While losing a player of Fitzpatrick’s caliber stings, the Steelers are pivoting to a model built on flexibility and disruptive coverage, not just a traditional deep safety.
Let’s be honest—Minkah’s biggest strengths were his ability to generate turnovers and his underrated knack for supporting the run.
Fortunately, Jalen Ramsey checks both of those boxes. Since entering the league in 2016, Ramsey has tallied 24 interceptions, consistently ranked among the league’s top coverage corners, and delivered punishing hits against the run.
It’s no wonder he’s earned three All-Pro selections.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be fine without Minkah Fitzpatrick during the 2025 season
With Slay and Porter Jr. likely locking down the outside receivers, Ramsey becomes a true wildcard. He can move across the formation, drop into the slot, blitz, or help in the run game—whatever the situation demands.
It’s not a one-for-one replacement for Fitzpatrick, but it’s a creative solution that plays to Ramsey’s strengths.
And don’t forget about Cory Trice Jr. With Trice healthy, the Steelers have the depth and range to get creative. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have a chessboard, not just a depth chart.
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Is it a gamble? Sure. But in today’s NFL, where offenses are more dynamic than ever, the ability to disguise coverages and move elite athletes around the field is invaluable.
The Steelers aren’t just plugging a hole—they’re reimagining their secondary with elite talent and flexibility.
With Ramsey, Slay, and Porter Jr. leading the charge, Pittsburgh’s defense may look different without Minkah Fitzpatrick, but it may also be dangerous.