The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, sending a first-round draft pick to the Dolphins in return.
Fitzpatrick played in several different spots in the secondary during his first year and change in Miami, but the Steelers don't plan on moving the second-year player around.
“He will be playing the safety position,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, according to Will Selva of NFL Network. “We’ll quickly get him up to speed. He’s a sharp guy, getting to know in the draft process. In the short term, we’re going to anchor him down to one position.”
Fitzpatrick will be playing free safety alongside of Terrell Edmunds, who will be manning the strong safety position.
Pittsburgh's free safety slot opened up after Sean Davis was placed on the injured reserve list due to a shoulder injury.
Tomlin added that the Steelers liked Fitzpatrick in the lead-up to the 2018 NFL Draft, but Fitzpatrick went to the Dolphins with the 11th overall pick, 17 spots before Pittsburgh picked at No. 28. The Steelers ended up taking Edmunds at that spot.
Fitzpatrick logged 11 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in two games with the Dolphins this year.
During his rookie campaign last season, the 22-year-old played in all 16 games and registered 80 tackles, a couple of interceptions, nine passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
Fitzpatrick played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama.
The Steelers have gotten off to an 0-2 start and will now be without Ben Roethlisberger for the remainder of the season.
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