Tue, Sep 17, 2019 at 11:05pm

DOLPHINS DEAL MINKAH FITZPATRICK TO PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired safety/cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020 and a seventh-round draft pick in 2021 from the Miami Dolphins for a first-round draft pick in 2020, a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2020 and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2021.

What does it give the Pittsburgh Steelers
This is a fascinating trade for the Steelers. Not many teams would trade their upcoming first-rounder for a defensive back after losing its franchise quarterback the previous game, but Pittsburgh is one such organization with the stones to do just that. Fitzpatrick is a significant upgrade to the Steelers' secondary and he will likely start either as a third corner (who plays the slot with aplomb) or as a second (or third) safety. In any scenario, he improves Pittsburgh's defense (which will now be forced to tighten up without Ben Roethlisberger for the rest of the 2019 season).

What does it give the Miami Dolphins
Let the tanking continue for the Dolphins, who are not even trying to hide the fact that they are, er, not trying to win this season. That said, landing a first-rounder from a team that just lost its franchise player is quite a coup for Miami. They also got an upgrade in late picks for '21, while surrendering a fourth-rounder in '20 (and adding a fifth-rounder). All in all, it is a tremendous haul for Fitzpatrick and a great deal for both teams (especially the Dolphins). The rest of '20 will be unwatchable for Miami Dolphins fans, but there should be brighter days ahead.

Fantasy impact
In PPR leagues, Fitzpatrick was already on the fantasy radar. He now becomes a must-own DB in those league formats. In regular leagues, Pittsburgh's defense just received a major shot in the arm, while Miami's defense never should have been a fantasy consideration this season (with or without Fitzpatrick).