The Miami Dolphins were backed into a corner. They knew Jalen Ramsey wanted to be traded.
No matter how big a star Ramsey is considered, that's usually a no-win spot for the team giving him up. Other teams don't have to make huge offers, because they recognize that the trading team usually has to settle for whatever it can get.
Somehow, that didn't happen here.
The Dolphins traded Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday.
But in return, they got Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick was originally chosen 11th overall by the Dolphins in 2018, and now it's a reunion.
He played just the first season-plus of his career with the Dolphins.
As a rookie in 2018, he had 80 tackles and two interceptions. But after two games in 2019, he was traded to the Steelers, where he spent the next six seasons.
MORE: Steelers stun NFL by trading for Jalen Ramsey to save Dolphins, rob Rams
In Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick had 18 interceptions and 516 tackles.
Now, he returns to Miami.
Pro Football Focus only rated Fitzpatrick 51st out of 172 qualifying safeties in their analytical rankings for 2024, but he's still just 28 years old with huge regard around the NFL.
Considering Ramsey backed the Dolphins into a corner, they came away with a very good consolation prize.
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