DeFabo: Steelers Could Move Minkah Fitzpatrick's Contract After 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 season with the league's most expensive defense. The money they spent and their work during the offseason to tighten up loose spots likely made them feel secure. The bigger concern was the offense, with its many new personnel—coordinators, quarterbacks, and linemen.  

Unfortunately, the defense hasn't played quite at the level everyone expected through eight games, particularly against the run. According to Fox Sports, they rank ninth in the league in total defense. Their passing defense is 22nd, rushing defense is fourth, and they are second for points allowed and in the red zone. The situation is not dire, but it has created heavy criticism of some of the more costly players, particularly safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

Fitzpatrick was once a constant threat, but those splash plays have been notably absent. He hasn't had a sack, forced fumble, recovery, or interception in 19 games. Some question his $22+ million cap hit for the next two seasons. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic suggested the Steelers might consider trading the former All-Pro. 

"Many teams pinch pennies at safety, feeling that they're often interchangeable," said DeFabo. "Look at how much value DeShon Elliott has provided for a fraction of the investment. Fitzpatrick still has a strong reputation around the league. If he isn't producing much splash, it's really not the craziest idea to see how much another team would offer in trade and whether the Steelers could fill this role with a more cost-conscious solution. That kind of move might even be necessary for the Steelers to give Pickens a contract extension, sign a quality QB and have a legitimate No. 2 wideout on the roster next year."

During the 2023 season, the defense was hampered by injuries, and Fitzpatrick often had to play out of position to support weaker areas. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin said they were committed to getting back to playing "Minkah Ball" in 2024, and so far, he has been in the middle more. 

"Fitzpatrick is playing a lot better than the raw turnover numbers would suggest," continued DeFabo. "He's a reliable tackler and a deterrent when he's in the middle of the field, which I think is part of the reason why the rest of the DBs have so many PBUs and INTs. So by no means is he playing poorly. But I don't think he's playing up to his heft salary-cap hit, even after Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin made a concerted effort to put Fitzpatrick in the middle of the field more often to be a ballhawk."

It is also fair to assume that opposing offenses avoid the middle of the field. They know how dangerous Fitzpatrick is and are likely trying to avoid him. DeFabo correctly cautions that the lack of splash doesn't equal poor play.  

Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick Creates A Ripple Effect

As DeFabo pointed out, opposing offenses appear to avoid Fitzpatrick in the middle of the field. This means that his contributions, while not as visible, are still just as meaningful. Football is a team sport, and we've seen time and time again how Pittsburgh's best players make the biggest difference. Having T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cameron Heyward on the field boosts players like Donte Jackson, DeShon Elliott, and Beanie Bishop Jr.  

Having Fitzpatrick on the field does seem to improve the defense. While he might not be making the splash plays he once did, DeFabo says he contributes to others making them. The Steelers are second in turnovers in 2024 with 10; that's one behind the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills, who are tied for first with 11. 

It isn't like Fitzpatrick is out there failing to wrap up on tackles or seeming to give minimal effort. It seems likely that no one is more frustrated by the lack of turnovers than Fitzpatrick. The question should be not just about what Pittsburgh can get for him but also how removing him impacts the effectiveness of the defense.

What do you think about trading Fitzpatrick? Click to comment below. 

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