The Pittsburgh Steelers made yet another huge trade on Monday, acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. However, in doing so, the Steelers traded three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the team from which they acquired him.

While there has been speculation on why the Steelers were willing to part ways with the star safety, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the lack of splash plays over the last two years was part of the Steelers being okay with moving on.

“[The] Steelers were not actively trying to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they were willing to listen to any team who showed interest,” Dulac said on X. “They felt the absence of splash plays the past two years was not commensurate with what they were paying him.”

Steelers were not actively trying to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they were willing to listen to any team who showed interest. They felt the absence of splash plays the past two years was not commensurate with what they were paying him.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) June 30, 2025

From 2019-22, Fitzpatrick had 17 interceptions and led all safeties in All-Pro selections. Over the last two seasons, though, he intercepted just one pass, and his impact took a noticeable step back. With 2025 being the final year of Fitzpatrick’s deal, it also felt unlikely that the Steelers would re-sign him.