A seismic shift recently rocked the NFL landscape with the Pittsburgh Steelers executing a blockbuster trade. They sent veteran safety Minkah fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins. In return, the Steelers acquired dynamic cornerback Jalen Ramsey and versatile tight end Jonnu Smith. This transaction marked the end of Fitzpatrick’s six-season tenure in Pittsburgh. Ironically, he initially arrived via a trade from Miami in 2019.
While the acquisition of Pro Bowl talent like Ramsey and Smith generated considerable excitement, Fitzpatrick’s departure wasn’t without controversy. Lingering questions about internal communication and defensive chemistry from the previous season resurfaced immediately.
Navigating Steelers’ Defensive Issues and Trade Fallout
The Steelers defense experienced significant struggles late last season. Key players publicly voiced frustrations following tough losses. Defensive captain Cam Heyward notably commented after a Week 17 defeat. He stated, “When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn’t, we are screwed.” Safety DeShon Elliott echoed this sentiment. He told reporters, “First off, guys can’t be [expletive] wide open… Just do your job… guys weren’t doing their frickin’ job.” These pointed remarks highlighted perceived breakdowns in defensive execution and communication.
Media speculation quickly linked these comments to Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo suggested Fitzpatrick’s performance wasn’t matching his significant cap hit, noting “communication and chemistry issues that were present.” Another media member, David Todd, was even more direct on social media. He explicitly stated, “Nobody named names, but when guys ON THE TEAM were talking about 10 guys doing one thing & one guy not doing his job, they were talking about Minkah.”
Patrick Queen Offers a Different Perspective
Amidst the rising tide of speculation, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen offered a counter-narrative. Queen, who joined the team in 2024, played alongside Fitzpatrick last season. On the social media platform X, a fan asked Queen if Fitzpatrick was the player rumored to be out of position. Queen’s response was simple and direct: “No.”
This brief but firm public defense stood in contrast to the media reports and previous teammate frustrations. Queen’s statement could be interpreted as an attempt to protect Fitzpatrick’s reputation as he departed Pittsburgh. It also potentially aimed to preempt negative fallout surrounding the trade’s underlying reasons. While Queen and Fitzpatrick were teammates for only one year, Queen previously noted Fitzpatrick’s “approach to be the best everyday was definitely contagious,” wishing him well back in Miami.
Alternative Theories and Team Dynamics
It’s worth noting that speculation about the source of the defensive issues wasn’t solely focused on Fitzpatrick. Earlier rumors suggested cornerback Cam Sutton might have been the player referenced in teammates’ frustrations. Sutton reportedly struggled upon his return to Pittsburgh last season. This underscores the difficulty in definitively pinpointing the exact source of the defensive breakdowns based solely on public comments and media interpretation.
The trade also significantly impacts other players. DeShon Elliott, who had a career year partnering with Fitzpatrick, now reunites with his former Dolphins teammate, Jalen Ramsey. Elliott expressed mixed feelings publicly. He was happy Ramsey, a “Potential Gold Jacket” like Fitzpatrick, was joining the team. But he also acknowledged missing Fitzpatrick, his “partner in crime,” and the inherent “business” nature of the NFL. Both Fitzpatrick and Ramsey boast impressive resumes, with three First-Team All-Pro selections each, highlighting the elite talent involved in the transaction.
The Steelers’ Aggressive Offseason Approach
This trade is part of one of the most active offseasons in recent Steelers history. The team also made significant moves like signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers and acquiring receiver DK Metcalf. Adding players like Ramsey (a seven-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring) and Smith (coming off a career-best 2024 season with 88 receptions and 8 TDs, earning his first Pro Bowl) signals an aggressive approach. The trade details reveal the Steelers sent a 2027 fifth-round pick to Miami for Fitzpatrick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, along with Ramsey and Smith. Financially, Ramsey received a $1.5 million raise, and Smith signed a new one-year, $12 million extension. These moves positioned the Steelers with the 21st most cap space at $18.6 million post-trade, while Miami sat 28th with $13.7 million but carried significant dead money.
The goal is clear: revitalize a defense that struggled fundamentally late last season and elevate an offense seeking more playmakers. Ramsey joins a formidable defensive unit featuring Pro Bowlers and All-Pros like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, and Darius Slay, creating high expectations. The assembled defensive talent now boasts a combined 29 Pro-Bowl appearances among key players. While Patrick Queen’s defense of Fitzpatrick adds a layer of complexity, the focus now shifts to how Jalen Ramsey and the rest of the revamped defense will perform. Can they “fix the leaks” that plagued the team? The exact reasons for Fitzpatrick’s trade may remain a mystery to some, but the team’s intent to upgrade key positions is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significant trade involving Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins on June 30, 2025. In exchange, the Steelers acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, along with a swap of late-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, receiving a seventh-round pick while sending a fifth-round selection to Miami. This move reshaped both teams’ rosters, bringing established playmakers to Pittsburgh and returning a former Pro Bowler to Miami.
Why was there media speculation about Minkah Fitzpatrick causing defensive issues?
Following the Steelers’ defensive struggles late in the previous season, teammates like Cam Heyward and DeShon Elliott made public comments expressing frustration about players not doing their jobs. Media members interpreted these remarks and suggested they might refer to Minkah Fitzpatrick. Specifically, reports cited communication and chemistry issues within the secondary, linking Fitzpatrick’s high salary cap hit and perceived dip in production to the trade decision and the underlying problems.
How did Patrick Queen publicly defend Minkah Fitzpatrick after the trade?
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen publicly supported Minkah Fitzpatrick via a response on the social media platform X. When asked by a fan if Fitzpatrick was the player rumored to be out of position or causing issues, Queen directly replied, “No.” This statement served as a clear defense of his former teammate amidst media speculation and previous teammate comments suggesting Fitzpatrick might have been the source of some defensive problems.
