When Minkah Fitzpatrick was sent to the Miami Dolphins last summer, the Pittsburgh Steelers believed they had secured a favorable deal. Fitzpatrick was coming off a less-than-stellar season, and in exchange, the Steelers acquired former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. However, fewer than twelve months later, the trade has begun to look like a major misstep for Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick posted a strong season in Miami, earning recognition as one of the NFL’s top safeties according to Pro Football Focus, yet reports now indicate the Dolphins are ready to trade him for a draft pick. This development adds a new layer of disappointment for the Steelers.
How Miami’s Roster Changes Are Impacting Fitzpatrick’s Future
With Jeff Hafley now leading Miami as head coach, the Dolphins have actively reshaped their roster, letting go of several veteran players with sizable contracts. Fitzpatrick appears to be next in line as Miami seeks to move on from costly players and build for the future. This potential trade of Fitzpatrick could further undermine Pittsburgh’s position in the original deal.
The Steelers’ Ongoing Regret Over the Swap
Looking back on the 2025 season, it is evident that the Steelers ended up on the losing side of this trade. Jalen Ramsey struggled to meet expectations at cornerback, forcing Pittsburgh to move him to safety midway through the year. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith delivered a disappointing performance during his time with the Steelers.
Conversely, Fitzpatrick revitalized his career in Miami with an impressive 81.8 PFF grade, starkly superior to Ramsey’s 64.4. That strong showing raises questions about the value Pittsburgh really received in return.
Potential Draft Pick Adds to Pittsburgh’s Disappointment
The Dolphins’ ability to possibly trade Fitzpatrick for a mid-round draft pick next season threatens to deepen Pittsburgh’s regret. Given Fitzpatrick’s age and contract, the compensation would likely fall around a fourth or fifth-round pick, or Miami might use him as leverage in a draft pick swap to improve their Day 2 selections in 2026.
This scenario means the Dolphins could not only shed Ramsey and Smith’s contracts but also gain draft capital while receiving top-tier play from Fitzpatrick last season, highlighting the stark imbalance of the trade for the Steelers.
Long-Term Impact and What Might Come Next
The unfolding situation emphasizes how the Steelers’ decision to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick has backfired, as Miami continues to maximize his value even beyond the initial season. If the Dolphins finalize a trade that brings in draft picks for Fitzpatrick, the fallout for Pittsburgh fans could be substantial, intensifying feelings of frustration and regret over the trade.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Miami’s next moves and how Pittsburgh attempts to recover from this unfavorable exchange.
Sources: The #Dolphins have had trade talks with teams regarding 5x Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Miami released four players earlier this week, including Tyreek Hill, and are in the early stages of resetting the roster under a new regime. pic.twitter.com/bADGD0Ndrj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 18, 2026
