Mike Tomlin Says Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade was 'Difficult,' Steelers Made Tough Choice

The Pittsburgh Steelers parted ways with Minkah Fitzpatrick last month after six seasons with the team, sending the star safety to the Miami Dolphins in return for Jalen Ramsey.

Head coach Mike Tomlin admitted that losing Fitzpatrick was tough, calling the decision to trade him "very difficult" and a "tough choice" to make, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Fitzpatrick became a staple of the Steelers' offense during his time in Pittsburgh, earning three first-team All-Pro nods and making five Pro Bowl appearances while with the team. He also led the NFL in interceptions in 2022. He's coming off a season in which he racked up 96 tackles, four passes defended and an interception.

Now, Fitzpatrick will return to Miami, where he started his career after the Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

While losing Fitzpatrick was "tough" for the Steelers, they landed a star cornerback in return for him. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, has seen his productivity take a slight hit over the past few years, but he is still an upgrade to Pittsburgh's defense. Last season, he recorded 60 tackles, 11 passes defended and a pair of interceptions.

With the addition of Ramsey along with a handful of other upgrades, the Steelers will look to make a deep playoff run.