Steelers Now
Miami Dolphins All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick downplayed the revenge game narrative for his return to Pittsburgh on Monday night.
“The only reason why it’s a big week this week is because we’ve got a game and we’ve got to win it,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Dolphins have been on a tear as of late, winning four straight games. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called the Dolphins “as hot as any team in the NFL” ahead of their Week 15 matchup.
Fitzpatrick has only one interception this year, but he’s still a force in the Dolphins’ secondary. In 13 games, Fitzpatrick has recorded 76 total tackles (56 solos), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.
🎥 Minkah Fitzpatrick on facing his former team: "The only reason why it's a big week this week it's because we got a game and we got to win it." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/CevF5d7fiz
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 10, 2025
Former Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said in an interview in August that he was shocked that the Steelers were willing to part ways with All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“Honestly, I was shocked,” Grier said. “I was very surprised that we were able to get him. But I do know that Pittsburgh had liked (Jalen) Ramsey a lot for what he could do, and his skill set. He’s a very good player as well.”
Getting Fitzpatrick was a pleasant surprise for Grier. He viewed it as a win-win situation for both teams.
“Getting Jonnu (Smith) for them, too, was important. The way you look at it is they got two players that they liked, and we got a player that we had coveted as well. It was a win-win, and we got a draft pick as well. Win-win for both teams,” he said.
On July 28, Fitzpatrick addressed the media for the first time since the Steelers traded him to Miami on June 30. He said his silence was not a reflection of his feelings about his return to Miami.
“One, I am not a big social media guy, you aren’t going to see me on there, point blank,” Fitzpatrick explained to the Miami media. “Two, in no way, shape, or form was that an expression about coming to Miami. Three, I want to thank the city of Pittsburgh, you guys treated me very well. i enjoyed my time there, had some great players and great teammates. It was very unfortunate the way things ended, it’s a part of business. I’m extremely excited to be a Miami Dolphin.”
Fitzpatrick, who was sent to Miami in the blockbuster trade that brought Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers, had been seeking a new contract, hiring legendary agent Drew Rosenhaus, despite the fact that he had two years left of the $73.6 million contract Fitzpatrick signed with the Steelers in 2022.
Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins agreed to add a $16.245 million signing bonus to his contract.
“It...
