Behind the Steel Curtain
Was the breakup between the team and Fitzpatrick amicable?
At this point, most of the public is aware that new Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey wanted to move on from the Miami Dolphins. After speculation of a tumultuous relationship with head coach Mike McDaniel, and the lack of interest from Miami in paying Ramsey the $25.1 million he is owed this season, it made sense for Ramsey to go elsewhere.
Generally, when that’s the case, the team has little leverage in trade negotiations. The expectation around the league was that Ramsey would be dealt for a mid-round pick. Ultimately, he was moved in a deal involving three-time First-Team All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
This blockbuster was a stunner, and one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history, considering the star power.
Something that hasn’t been discussed is the Steelers and Fitzpatrick also potentially wanting to part ways.
Speaking on 93.7 the Fan, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggested just that.
“Something weird was going on,” said Florio. “I’m waiting for the reports to come out as we get closer to training camp about whatever the issues were between the Steelers and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It just feels like they were lying in the weeds waiting to make this move.”
Florio also mentioned that Mike Tomlin is notorious for keeping a tight lid on locker room issues before a player exits - and that could have applied to this scenario.
I don’t think it’s fair to compare this to the situations with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens with character concerns, but I think it’s safe to assume that not everything was sunshine and rainbows behind closed doors. Could that have been the case with Fitzpatrick as well? We’ll have to wait and see if Fitzpatrick, or Steelers coaches/players, decide to elaborate this offseason when they speak more about the split.
