The Miami Dolphins have learned a valuable lesson: never tank with having two former Alabama football standouts on the roster. In its decision to tank, Miami traded away both Kenyan Drake and Minkah Fitzpatrick and the two are having success in new places.
Pittsburgh acquired Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins on Sept. 16 in exchange for a 2020 fourth-rounder and a 2021 seventh-rounder, while Miami gets a 2020 first-rounder, 2020 fifth-rounder and 2021 sixth-rounder.
Despite losing a first-round pick to Miami, the Steelers are seeing a return on its investment in Fitzpatrick.
All four of his interceptions this season have been with his new team – including a 96-yard pick-six in a 26-24 victory over the Colts on Sunday.
RELATED: Jamey Mosley added back to New York Jets’ practice squad
A former All-American, Fitzpatrick victimize his former team last week – picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick twice in a 27-14 win over the Dolphins.
He was selected in the first round (No. 11 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft and has 30 tackles with six pass breakups for the Steelers.
Taking it 9️⃣6️⃣ yards the other way!!@minkfitz_21 pic.twitter.com/67SXSxCT3F
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 3, 2019
During his time with the Crimson Tide, Fitzpatrick had 171 tackles (16.5 for loss), five sacks, nine interceptions (two for scores) and 24 breakups. The New Jersey native was twice named a consensus All-American (2016-17) and was a Freshman All-American in the 2015 season.
He earned both Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe awards in 2017, and was a vital part of two College Football Playoff national title teams in 2015 and 2017. With Fitzpatrick, the Steelers are 4-4 and keeping pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
