Minkah Fitzpatrick Has Been Worth the High-Priced Trade So Far
By Chris Ross
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick, the move was met with skepticism, however, the defender has lived up to the massive expectations.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers shipped out their 2020 first-round selection in exchange for disgruntled Miami Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, it was met with both excitement and significant skepticism. At the time of the trade, the Steelers had just lost Ben Roethlisberger for the season, and the prospect of giving up a first-round pick in a year that the team may struggle seemed scary to many. Fast-forward to now, and the team has continued to struggle. With just a 1-4 record, there is a very real chance that the first-rounder they gave up becomes a top-ten selection. Don’t be too upset though, because Minkah Fitzpatrick has been worth the high price the Steelers paid.
Prior to Fitzpatrick’s arrival in Pittsburgh, the team’s secondary was getting torched with regularity and struggled to force turnovers. Since the trade, however, the Steelers have managed to force eight turnovers in three weeks and have significantly improved in pass coverage. Fitzpatrick has been the key to unlocking this defense’s full potential. His versatility has allowed the Steelers to match up their defenders with assignments that best match their skill sets and his strong play has given energy to a previously unenthusiastic unit.
The Steelers have not been a good team in 2019. Between injuries and poor play, this team has been frustratingly bad and the record shows it. General manager Kevin Colbert swung for the fences with his trade for Fitzpatrick and gave up a pick that will probably be pretty high up in the order. Luckily, Fitzpatrick has been good enough that we shouldn’t worry about the hypothetical player the Steelers could have drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. In a season full of disastrous moments, Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a true bright spot.