After sending wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers could make former Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick, available for a trade. JPAFootball took to X, asking fans if the team should trade stars like TJ Watt and Fitzpatrick since the Steelers may be in a rebuild mode. However, it looks like that might happen before the 2025 season, as realistically, the team doesn’t have a clear future for the safety. Many fans responded that they should keep Watt, but Fitzpatrick could be a part of those trade conversations, especially during the preseason, if they don’t see any value in him anymore.
Earlier this offseason, another report said it might be too late for the safety to be sent to a new team in a trade. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product is under contract with the Steelers through 2026 and has been the backbone of this secondary ever since arriving in Pittsburgh from Miami in 2019. Fitzpatrick did appear in all 17 games last year, recording just a single interception and 96 tackles, so his production seems to be tapering off. It’ll be interesting to see what the Steelers do as they’ve yet to find their next signal-caller despite the Aaron Rodgers rumors.
The safety has dealt with injuries in the past, and if he doesn’t get back to his old self, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Steelers trade him sooner rather than later to these three teams.
Steelers Latest Roster Move May Signal Blockbuster Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade – 3 Logical Fits
Next Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Last season, the Carolina Panthers had one of the worst secondary units in the league. Jaycee Horn tried to keep this department afloat, but they’re betting on him and Michael Jackson on new deals. Luckily, they got Tre’Von Moehrig on a new contract this free agency to provide some relief in the secondary, but they could use another secondary man alongside him. The Panthers were building a capable offense last offseason, and it’s time for them to take advantage of building a defense that can force turnovers to give quarterback Bryce Young more opportunities to stay on the field.
Fitzpatrick pairing with Moehrig would be a nightmare for many opposing offenses in the league. The Panthers might not be postseason contenders, but this trade could easily get them at least into the wildcard round.
New Orleans Saints
This offseason, the New Orleans Saints’ General Manager, Mickey Loomis, found a way to pinch pennies to sign Justin Reid. Even though they have a lot of question marks on offense, they could lean on the defense to keep them in the mix to win the majority of their games. After Tyrann Mathieu’s contract restructuring, this could signal they may be open to trading him. If that’s the case, they should get Fitzpatrick in a potential trade scenario and pair him with Reid.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders are in the best position on offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has the right weapons and help to keep the chains moving. Despite signing Jonathan Jones this year and trading for Marshon Lattimore last season, there’s still left to be done in this defensive system. Fitzpatrick is the perfect secondary piece that may bolster this unit.
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