Miami confirmed in no uncertain terms that they have given up on the 2019 season this week when they elected to trade star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Pittsburgh for yet another 1st round draft pick. This follows hot on the heels of their decision to trade their best O-Lineman Laremy Tunsil to another conference rival Houston. So we already know what this means for Miami, but what does it say about Pittsburgh?
Minkah Fitzpatrick The no 11 pick in the 2018 draft is now a Steeler Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com
Well, it may at first glance smack of desperation, with QB Big Ben out for the season and the defense looking untypically Steelers like having given up 61 points in their opening two games. However, 0-2 is not as bad as it would appear given they faced New England at Foxboro to open and were a tad unlucky against Seattle only losing by 2 points with inexperienced Madison Rudolph taking over at QB.
Obviously they have made this move with the expectation that Rothelsberger will be back in 2020 and unless they completely tank there is no guarantee they could find a player of Fitzpatrick’s calibre in the middle of round one, and he is on a team-friendly contract for at least the next three seasons.
Pittsburgh have a tough trip to San Fransisco on Sunday but with Rudolph having a game under his belt and Minkah patrolling the secondary they have a chance to salvage things – however, 0-3 is a big hill to climb in their quest for a playoff place. This move could either look genius or dumb by seasons end. For now, we are giving them the benefit of the doubt.
