After the extension of Deshon Elliott, this could spell the end for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the coming seasons. It won’t happen anytime soon, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers eventually going to recoup some salary cap and draft capital, they will do everything they can to do that. The Steelers aren’t going to trade Fitzpatrick this season, but as each year goes by and he ages, the thought of a trade could come up at some point. Earlier reports in the offseason suggested that the Steelers should embrace the rebuild after a disastrous end to their 2024 campaign, losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round.
However, that was when the Steelers had an unquestionable quarterback situation, but since they have veteran Aaron Rodgers, there’s no possibility that a trade will come up. Fitzpatrick has been one of the best safeties in the league, and it’s hard to imagine that both parties will consider a trade. The relationship is too strong unless the Rodgers situation leads Pittsburgh to disaster, then that might become a problem for Fitzpatrick if they continue to lose for the next two seasons, and that might boost the trade rumors as he might be looking for a Super Bowl sooner rather than later. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product began his career with the Miami Dolphins before a trade to the Steelers, and that’s where the rest has been historic for the five-time Pro Bowler.
For the sake of this article, here are four teams that may seek a trade for Fitzpatrick if things turn out ugly in Pittsburgh.
Breaking: Latest Deshon Elliott Extension Could Signal Surprise Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade?
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
This trade would change everything for the Carolina Panthers, as they had one of the worst secondaries last season. They might have a promising offense led by quarterback Bryce Young, but that won’t mean anything if the pass secondary can’t make a few plays to give the Panthers several chances to win. After signing Trevon Moehrig and extending both Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson, the team has solid contributors but needs a push. Fitzpatrick landing with the Panthers would make this NFC team a scary sight in the conference.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints have done phenomenally well upgrading the safety unit, except for its cornerback department. Fitzpatrick is not playing cornerback, but could take over the spot of Tyrann Mathieu when he eventually retires. Justin Reid signing with the Saints puts him in the best spot to take the spotlight. However, why not two explosive playmakers that can destroy the opposing offenses’ aerial attack?
Dallas Cowboys
However, even though the Steelers will never trade their best veteran to Dallas, it’s hard to ignore the fit he has with the Cowboys. Between Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, they need a significant upgrade. They already have a questionable cornerback department with Kaiir Elam, Shavon Revel Jr., Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. It’s anyone’s spot up for grabs, but Fitzpatrick would be the favorite to replace Wilson, who has been in trade rumors this offseason.
Washington Commanders
Following a stellar rookie season led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders find themselves a Super Bowl contender for the next several years. They have a new culture, and after trading for Deebo Samuel and signing a few key offensive players, the team is solidifying its spot as one of the biggest NFC threats. The one unit that might stop them is defense, and a trade of Fitzpatrick would make sense to bolster the department and pair with Quan Martin.
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