The Pittsburgh Steelers face limitations when it comes to trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a player they previously traded away in a deal involving stars Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith earlier this offseason. Despite speculation about Fitzpatrick being a potential trade target for other teams, the Steelers will not be able to reacquire him due to an NFL rule that prohibits a team from trading for a player they previously dealt for a minimum of two years.
While the Steelers may consider bolstering their secondary following some recent difficulties, their significant investment in both cornerback and safety positions this offseason makes a trade unlikely. They could still pursue Fitzpatrick through free agency should the opportunity arise, but a trade is off the table.
Fitzpatrick has returned to the Miami Dolphins, the team that drafted him in 2019. He has established himself as a steady presence on the Dolphins, recording one interception, 42 tackles, and a remarkable five pass deflections in just seven games this season—surpassing his total from the previous year.
A three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, Fitzpatrick continues to shine on the field despite the struggles of his current team. As the Steelers evaluate their options for improvement, the focus will likely remain on integrating their offseason investments rather than pursuing a trade for a familiar face. The future looks bright for Fitzpatrick as he maintains his strong performance in the midst of adversity.