Participant-for-player trades are uncommon within the NFL, which naturally raises eyebrows when one goes down — particularly when it includes a star. Minkah Fitzpatrick had lengthy been thought of one of many league’s high safeties, but the Steelers traded him away and not using a clear substitute in place. That left followers and media alike questioning: Why? Was it purely a soccer transfer — or one thing deeper like locker room dynamics?
Omar Khan spoke to the media in the present day and was requested why the crew moved on from Fitzpatrick.
“I don’t know if it essentially was transferring on from Minkah,” Khan mentioned through the Steelers’ YouTube web page. “We had a chance to accumulate two Professional Bowl gamers that we felt, with the place we’re as a crew, made sense for us. Have a number of respect for Minkah. Minkah was an ideal soccer participant for a number of years for us and need him the most effective. However it was actually the chance to accumulate these two gamers that we expect may also help us.”
It seems like dealing Fitzpatrick was merely the price of doing enterprise with no hidden motives behind the transfer. The Steelers weren’t going to have the ability to purchase two gamers the caliber of Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith for nothing in return. They managed to improve two positions whereas taking a step again at only one.
There are simpler methods to improve the protection place at this level within the offseason than there would have been at cornerback or tight finish. Justin Simmons and Julian Blackmon are each nonetheless out there at security, for instance. And each Ramsey and Smith can put on a number of hats on their respective sides of the ball. Ramsey can play within the slot or at security, whereas Smith can perform as extra of a large receiver at instances. The Steelers worth that versatility.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel mentioned they made positive Fitzpatrick wished to play for them earlier than pulling the set off on the commerce. With Fitzpatrick’s slowdown in manufacturing over the previous two seasons, it might have been a welcomed change of tempo for either side.
This commerce wasn’t with out danger, however taking two steps ahead and one step again nonetheless leaves the Steelers in a greater place than earlier than. In the long run, it wasn’t about giving up on Fitzpatrick. It was about seizing a chance they couldn’t cross up.
