The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, once renowned for its physicality and unyielding style of play, experienced a humiliating defeat during the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs at the hands of their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers’ defense, which had been a hallmark of their identity for years, was unable to contain the Ravens’ powerful running game, particularly Derrick Henry, who amassed a staggering 299 rushing yards in a dominant performance. This defeat highlighted a significant departure from the team’s usual defensive prowess, raising concerns about the future direction of the unit.
One of the most telling moments of the game was when Henry delivered a punishing stiff-arm to Pittsburgh’s All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. The image of Fitzpatrick, who had long been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense, struggling to stay on his feet under the power of Henry’s stiff-arm, encapsulated just how outmatched the Steelers were throughout the game. This scene was not only symbolic of the team’s struggles in the playoff loss but also reflected a concerning dip in Fitzpatrick’s own performance. Once regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL, Fitzpatrick’s noticeable decline added to the narrative of a team in need of change.
Fitzpatrick’s career with the Steelers had previously been a story of great promise and success. Acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a trade during the 2019 season, Fitzpatrick immediately made an impact on the Steelers’ secondary. His ability to create turnovers was pivotal in restoring the team’s defensive identity. Over the next few seasons, Fitzpatrick became one of the NFL’s most respected safeties, earning multiple All-Pro honors and solidifying himself as a cornerstone of the defense. In 2022, Fitzpatrick had a standout season, recording six interceptions, the highest total of his career, demonstrating his playmaking ability and leadership in the secondary.
However, Fitzpatrick’s production has significantly waned since then. Over the last two seasons, he has registered just one interception, a far cry from his earlier success. This sharp decline in his output has raised doubts about his future with the team, especially considering the Steelers’ defensive struggles in recent years. His lack of impact, combined with the team’s overall defensive deficiencies, has led to increasing speculation that the Steelers may need to reassess their commitment to him as a long-term solution.
As Pittsburgh grapples with the reality of rebuilding its roster in order to compete with the top teams in the AFC, the decline of a once-dominant defensive player like Fitzpatrick could force difficult decisions. Historically, the Steelers have been a franchise known for holding onto key players who have contributed to the team’s defensive identity. However, this latest playoff loss to the Ravens could serve as a wake-up call, prompting a rethinking of how the team should proceed with aging veterans.
Though parting ways with a player of Fitzpatrick’s caliber might seem like a drastic measure, the Steelers may feel it is necessary if they believe his decline is more than just a temporary slump. If the team decides that Fitzpatrick’s best years are behind him, they may explore the possibility of trading him to gain valuable assets—whether that be draft picks or younger players who fit the team’s evolving needs. As the Steelers transition into a new era under head coach Mike Tomlin, reshaping the defense may require moving on from older, expensive players and reallocating resources to areas where the team needs improvement.
The decision about Fitzpatrick’s future in Pittsburgh will likely hinge on his performance in the upcoming 2024 season. If he can recapture his previous form and make a significant impact on the defense, the Steelers may look to retain him as a key player in their defensive plans. On the other hand, if his struggles continue, Pittsburgh may decide it is time to move in a different direction. In any case, Fitzpatrick’s role with the Steelers will be one of the key storylines to follow as the team looks to rebuild and retool for the future.
