As Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to South Beach, an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches and scouts had high praise for the star safety.

As ESPN noted, Fitzpatrick has been on a steady decline the last two seasons. He was ranked No. 1 in 2023, fell to No. 4 in 2024, and now finds himself at No. 9. This dip in production, paired with his salary, is a big reason the Steelers felt like it was time to move on from Fitzpatrick and bring in cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Pro safety was the return in a rare player swap. The deal also included swaps of day three picks in 2027. It was the first time since at least 2002 that two players with multiple All-Pro bids were dealt for each other.