5 Steelers players having their most disappointing season in 2023

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety

Minkah Fitzpatrick embodies everything it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and he has the exact mentality you want from a defender in today's NFL. But I would be remiss if we didn't talk about his gross lack of production in 2023.

Like several other names on this list, not all of this is Mikah's fault. Outside of budding star Joey Porter Jr., he hasn't exactly had the most talented group aiding him in the secondary. It's also worth noting that the Steelers aren't getting after the quarterback quite as fast as they have in the past.

Fitzpatrick also suffered a hamstring injury, and while he didn't land on IR, he did miss four games with this ailment. Still, that leaves him 9 games to make his presence felt on defense. Admittedly, he has done exactly that in run support. However, Minkah has essentially been a non-factor in the splash play department.

Entering Week 15, Fitzpatrick didn't have a single interception and was credited for defending just 2 passes. Combine this with the fact that he didn't have a single forced fumble, fumble recovery, or sack, and you get a player who hasn't been an X-Factor this year, Minkah Fitzpatrick is still a really good safety, but his play did not warrant All-Pro consideration this year like it did so often in year's past.