The safety position is one of multiple spots where the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to make some additions this offseason. Pittsburgh might want Jalen Ramsey at corner for the 2026 season. And aside from DeShon Elliott returning, there isn’t much proven depth at the safety position. However, there is a familiar name that could be on the market. The Miami Dolphins put Minkah Fitzpatrick on the trade block earlier this offseason.

The Steelers can’t trade for him, since they sent him to Miami just one season ago. However, if he’s released, it’s fair game. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Fitzpatrick is a name to keep in mind if released.

“Another potential reunion to keep an eye on involves safety Minkah Fitzpatrick,” Pryor wrote in an article published on Tuesday. “Fitzpatrick is under contract for one more season, but with a new regime, the Dolphins could either trade or release him. The Steelers can’t trade for Fitzpatrick, but he could be an option if he is released.”

Pryor makes a good point regarding the new regime in Miami. Jeff Hafley takes over as head coach, a defensive mind. With Fitzpatrick already on the trading block, it seems clear that Hafley doesn’t view him as a long-term answer in Miami.

While the Steelers’ old coaching staff decided to move on from Minkah Fitzpatrick in favor of Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, they aren’t in town anymore. Patrick Graham now leads what’s nearly an entirely new defensive staff. It’s possible that new staff could value Fitzpatrick, who likely wouldn’t be too expensive if released.

Pryor thinks Pittsburgh could pair him with Elliott once again.

“A cerebral player, Fitzpatrick was highly regarded in Pittsburgh by the coaching staff and the locker room, and the Steelers could reunite him with DeShon Elliott,” Pryor wrote.

After picking off six passes in 2022, Fitzpatrick struggled to create turnovers at the same rate during his final two years in Pittsburgh. That didn’t improve a ton in Miami. Fitzpatrick had one interception and one forced fumble in 2025, the exact same turnover production from his final year in Pittsburgh.

But all things considered, he had a solid year. Fitzpatrick was better against the pass, allowing a 63.6-percent completion rate and a passer rating of 89.0 when targeted. Both were major improvements compared to the 2024 season. With 82 tackles and a missed tackle rate of 8.9 percent, he was pretty reliable against the run, too.

There’s a lot of talent in this year’s draft, and some names in free agency. Minkah Fitzpatrick probably won’t be the Steelers first priority, and they could only acquire him if he’s released by Miami. But after a solid year, considering his circumstances, Pryor thinks he’s a name worth keeping in mind.