Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Return to Pittsburgh Sparks Intrigue
As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their upcoming clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick remains tight-lipped about his emotions surrounding this game. This response mirrors his attitude during training camp, where he made it clear he preferred to leave his past in Pittsburgh behind. During a virtual press session earlier this week, Fitzpatrick faced a pointed question: Did he view this matchup as significant due to his former team? His answer was blunt.
“No,” Fitzpatrick stated. “The only reason why it’s a big week this week is because we’ve got a game and we’ve got to win it.”
Coach Tomlin’s High Praise for Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick’s former head coach, Mike Tomlin, took a moment to commend the defensive back’s impact on the Dolphins. Tomlin highlighted the strength of Miami’s secondary, particularly noting how Fitzpatrick has thrived in his versatile role.
“I think they have been really solid in the secondary once they solidified some of their division of labor,” Tomlin remarked. “Minkah has been significant in that regard. He’s been playing nickel for them, and they got more depth certainly at safety than at corner. Minkah’s versatility has been an asset to them.”
Tomlin elaborated on Fitzpatrick’s contributions, emphasizing his ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage and his effectiveness as a communicator in the Dolphins’ defensive setup.
Dolphins’ Trade Gains Momentum
The trade that sent Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey is looking increasingly favorable for the Dolphins. Since the trade, Fitzpatrick has emerged as a cornerstone for Miami’s defense, exemplified by his pivotal role in their recent victory over the New Orleans Saints.
In contrast, Smith has struggled to find his footing in Pittsburgh’s offense, while Ramsey’s transition to safety has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. Tomlin has praised Ramsey’s versatility, but stats reveal a different story, as he currently ranks 46th among NFL safeties, compared to Fitzpatrick’s impressive third-place standing among 96 players at his position.
Analyzing the Trade’s Impact
The financial rewards of the trade haven’t translated equally for all parties involved. Fitzpatrick has proven to be a valuable asset for the Dolphins, while Smith’s performance has dipped significantly. After a breakout season in 2024 where he recorded 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, Smith has managed only 30 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns this season. His struggles have been highlighted by a concerning trend—he has yet to exceed 30 receiving yards in any game this year.
While it was anticipated that joining a crowded tight end room in Pittsburgh would impact Smith’s production, the extent of his decline has been shocking. His highest single-game output this season came in Week 1, where he caught five passes; a feat he achieved eight times last season.
Future Considerations for the Dolphins
The Dolphins’ decision to trade Smith rather than extend him appears justified in hindsight. While Miami could have benefited from his presence during specific stretches this season, especially when tight end Darren Waller faced his own injury challenges, the overall trade dynamics favor the Dolphins.
As Miami gears up for their matchup with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick’s silence speaks volumes. His focus remains firmly on the game ahead, underscoring a professional mindset that has become his hallmark. This trade, which once raised eyebrows, is turning into a significant chapter in the Dolphins’ season narrative, showcasing the team’s ability to navigate complex roster decisions while bolstering their defense.
