No one had the Pittsburgh Steelers trading Minkah Fitzpatrick on their bingo card. It was a blockbuster deal that few saw coming. The Steelers landed Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 7th-round pick in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th-round pick. It popped up out of left field, but many believe Pittsburgh got better overall.
That doesn't mean they don't have work to do if they want a proper replacement for Fitzpatrick.
The aggressiveness shown by General Manager Omar Khan has been revitalizing. They want to get in position to win this season, but they can't rely on a mixture of players to replace Fitzpatrick adequately. The Steelers must look at trade options, and those still available as free agents. An outside option who makes the most sense is Julian Blackmon. He would be a fantastic addition.
It would be unwise for anyone to expect Blackmon to fill the shoes of his predecessor in the same light, but the free agent safety is a solid player. He has started plenty of games at the free safety position and is a qualified choice. Fitzpatrick displayed special tendencies during his time in Pittsburgh, but things began to run stale.
Khan would be savvy to locate an upgrade at the position after this trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers should target free agent Julian Blackmon to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick
Khan should sign Blackmon to join the roster. The free agent safety would be a terrific addition, and he fits the mold of what the franchise usually targets. Recently, the club has added aging players, like Aaron Rodgers and Ramsey, but that doesn't mean they won't return to their reliable approach to free agency. Signing a younger player with prime years left is their common practice.
Blackmon will be 27 years old when the season begins.
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The Steelers felt comfortable moving on from Fitzpatrick because he lacked splash plays. He only registered one interception through his past 30 games with Pittsburgh. That is a troublesome stat, especially when you compare his production to his cap hit. Khan wanted to add someone who could potentially cause some turnovers, and that is why Ramsey joined the organization.
Pittsburgh's potential signing of Blackmon would help bring more turnovers to their club.
He has produced seven interceptions over his past 31 starts. That is six more than Fitzpatrick had for the Steelers. Mike Tomlin wants his defense to make splash plays and take necessary risks. Blackmon would fit that bill and help create game changing plays in big-time situations.
At just 27 years old, Blackmon has tons of starting experience during his professional career. He has started 62 games during his five-year career with the Indianapolis Colts. Shockingly, he is still waiting for a shot as a free agent, but sometimes good things come to those who wait. The Steelers have a crystal clear need to replace Fitzpatrick, and adding Blackmon might be their best course of action.