Pro Bowler’s unexpected performance slump gives Steelers huge advantage in trade market.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, once synonymous with physicality and relentless play, endured a humiliating defeat in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers allowed 299 rushing yards to Ravens running back Derrick Henry, a performance that starkly deviated from the team’s usual defensive identity.

One of the most memorable moments from the game was Henry’s punishing stiff-arm on Pittsburgh’s All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, a vivid symbol of how overmatched the Steelers were that night. For Fitzpatrick, a player who had been a cornerstone of the defense, the loss marked a rough playoff exit and underscored a noticeable drop in his performance.

Fitzpatrick’s tenure with the Steelers had been one of promise and success, earning multiple All-Pro selections since being acquired from the Miami Dolphins in 2019. His impact on the secondary was immediate, and his ability to force turnovers gave the defense a much-needed edge.

In 2022, Fitzpatrick recorded six interceptions, a career-high, showcasing his playmaking prowess. However, his production has significantly dropped since then. Over the past two seasons, he has logged just one interception, the lowest total of his career. His diminished impact on the field, coupled with the defense’s struggles, has raised doubts about his future with the team.

As the Steelers look to rebuild their roster to better compete in the AFC, Fitzpatrick’s decline could force the franchise to make some difficult decisions. Historically, Pittsburgh has been loyal to its key players, particularly those who embody the team’s defensive identity.

The playoff loss to the Ravens could prompt a reassessment of that loyalty. While parting ways with Fitzpatrick might seem drastic, if the Steelers view his decline as more than a temporary slump, it could be in their best interest to explore trade opportunities.

Shopping Fitzpatrick could help the Steelers acquire valuable draft capital or players who better fit their evolving vision, especially as the team transitions into a new phase under head coach Mike Tomlin. A reworked defensive scheme might make moving on from an aging safety a practical move, freeing up resources for other areas of need.

With Fitzpatrick’s future in Pittsburgh uncertain, his performance in 2024 will play a critical role in determining whether he remains a fixture of the Steelers’ defense or is traded for a fresh start elsewhere.