Plaxico Burress hates the Steelers-Dolphins blockbuster trade. Here's why

Mike Moraitis

•

Plaxico Burress hates the Steelers-Dolphins blockbuster trade. Here's why image

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress is not a fan of the recent trade between his former team and the Miami Dolphins.

Burress was a guest on the FOX Sports Radio show "Up on Game" and was not happy with the Steelers giving up Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade that landed Pittsburgh Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith.

“I don’t like the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade,” Burress said. “I really don’t. I think he fits what Pittsburgh wants to do. He’s only had one interception over the last two years, but he’s a run-first safety. And you knew that when you brought him here. So find some pieces around him, try to keep him in house. They’re gonna miss him.”

Fitzpatrick had been on a downward slide the last two years, but his 2024 showing was particularly concerning. Normally stellar in coverage, Fitzpatrick gave up a completion rate of 78.8% and a passer rating of 127.6, both career-worsts.

The five-time Pro Bowler did remain solid against the run, though, posting a 74.3 run defense grade, which ranked 37th among safeties, per Pro Football Focus.

The biggest issue might have been the reported role Fitzpatrick played in chemistry and communication issues the Steelers' defense had in 2024, something insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned recently.

"[Ray Fittipaldo] says on [93.7 The Fan] that the Steelers communication issues and chemistry issues on defense were due in large part to Minkah Fitzpatrick," radio host Andrew Filliponi said on X.

"A lot of that was Minkah," Fittipaldo said, per Filliponi.

In the wake of the Fitzpatrick trade, the Steelers now have to figure out who is going to start next to DeShon Elliott.

Juan Thornhill figures to be the favorite given his experience at the position, but he's coming off a disappointing stint with the Cleveland Browns and staying healthy has been an issue for him, with 12 games missed the past two years.

There has been some thought that perhaps Ramsey would move to safety, but Mark Kaboly shot that idea down in a recent episode of his podcast.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.