Minkah Fitzpatrick is a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, but is his future in the Steel City truly secure? While the team may value his talent, a closer look at his contract reveals that eight words could dramatically alter his fate in 2025, potentially leading to a shocking trade.

**Fitzpatrick’s Price Tag: $22.355 Million**

Minkah Fitzpatrick carries the Steelers’ second-largest salary cap hit for 2025 at $22,355,000[5]. His base salary is $15,500,000[1][2]. This substantial figure puts him behind only T.J. Watt in terms of cap commitment, raising the question: Is Fitzpatrick’s performance commensurate with his cost?

**The Eight Words That Could Change Everything**

Those eight words are: **”The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring trade options.”**

While the Steelers have publicly expressed excitement about having Fitzpatrick in Pittsburgh, several reporters and columnists believe the team should consider shaking things up and trading the star safety[3][7].

**Why Trade Fitzpatrick?**

There are several reasons why the Steelers might consider trading Fitzpatrick:

* **Cap Relief:** Trading Fitzpatrick could free up significant cap space. The Steelers could save $7,122,500 with a conventional restructure or $11,396,000 by adding three void years[6].
* **Addressing Other Needs:** The Steelers could use the freed-up cap space and/or draft capital acquired in a trade to address other areas of need on the roster.
* **Market Value:** Some believe teams undervalue the safety position, making it a smart move to trade a high-priced safety like Fitzpatrick for assets that can be used to improve other positions[8].

**Reasons to Keep Fitzpatrick:**

* **Defensive Star:** Fitzpatrick is one of the top safeties in the NFL and an integral part of the Steelers’ defense[3].
* **Years Remaining on Contract**: Fitzpatrick’s contract runs through the 2026 season[1].
* **Desire to Stay:** Following the signing of his contract extension, Fitzpatrick said he is happy to have the deal done[3]. “I am very excited,” said Fitzpatrick minutes after signing the contract. “I am still kind of in shock right now. It’s a blessing. I am really excited. It’s just the beginning. I am appreciative. I am thankful. Now I just want to keep on chopping.”

**What’s Next?**

Ultimately, the decision rests with the Steelers’ front office. They must weigh Fitzpatrick’s value to the team against his cost and explore potential trade options. Should the Steelers decide that the cost outweighs the benefit, those eight words could set the stage for a blockbuster trade that would send shockwaves through the NFL.