logo
Steelers FS Juan Thornhill fires back at Minkah Fitzpatrick critics during training camp

Steelers FS Juan Thornhill fires back at Minkah Fitzpatrick critics during training camp

USA Today4 days ago
Steelers training camp is finally here — but sadly without fan-favorite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was traded to the Dolphins almost one month ago. Several analysts pointed to a lack of splash plays and a potential decline as the reason for the move — but one defender isn't a fan of that narrative.
FS Juan Thornhill, Fitzpatrick's predicted replacement, defended the former Steelers safety at Wednesday's training camp — pointing to similar issues he's dealt with when offenses don't throw in your direction.
"Minkah is a great player," Thornhill told reporters on Wednesday. "If you have a great guy back there that can make a lot of plays on the ball, in that deep third, teams aren't going to really try you back there. So that's why a guy like Minkah — they say struggled a bit — he didn't struggle. You just can't get interceptions if the ball is not coming your way."
Despite Fitzpatrick snagging just one interception in two seasons, his presence in stopping the deep ball was second to none — a role Thornhill is more than willing to earn as training camp treads on.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes look at Big Ten media days
Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes look at Big Ten media days

USA Today

time22 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes look at Big Ten media days

This must be why they call it the entertainment capital of the the scenes from Vegas 🎬#Hawkeyes x #B1GMediaDays As Iowa football experienced its first conference visit to Las Vegas on Thursday for the 2025 Big Ten media days at the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Hawkeyes released a unique behind-the-scenes look at the annual preseason event. While Iowa's group of representatives, which included head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Koen Entringer, defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett, and offensive lineman Logan Jones, had to wait until the last day of the three-day event to make their appearance, the Hawkeyes were still able to enjoy the spotlight in Sin City. In a behind-the-scenes video posted on their social media platforms, the program provided a very personable view of the proceedings through the lens of the three current athletes accompanying Ferentz. The video captured every aspect of Thursday's 2025 Big Ten media days appearance, spanning from the flight to Las Vegas to the humorous questions asked by the players to their soon-to-be 70-year-old head coach. As the Hawkeyes enter the 2025-26 campaign with an improving offense to pair with their top-tier defense, Iowa could be primed for a magical season fans have been dreaming of. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal
Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

San Francisco Chronicle​

time30 minutes ago

  • San Francisco Chronicle​

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins agreed Sunday to a restructured contract that adds a $16.245 million signing bonus to the All-Pro safety's deal. Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the restructured deal, which was first reported by ESPN. The Dolphins acquired Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Steelers last month that sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick, who became one of the top safeties in the NFL with the Steelers, returned to the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2018 and traded him away at his request in 2019. There previously was no guaranteed money left on Fitzpatrick's contract that runs through 2026. No years were added, but Rosenhaus said they're seeking a multiyear extension. The Dolphins cleared $11 million in cap space in the restructured deal by converting part of Fitzpatrick's salary to a bonus, according to NFL Network. Fitzpatrick had $2 million of his 2026 salary moved up to this coming season. He is now due $17.5 million in 2025 and $15.6 million in 2026. Fitzpatrick had signed a four-year extension with the Steelers in 2022 that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time and gave him $36 million in guarantees.

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal
Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins agreed Sunday to a restructured contract that adds a $16.245 million signing bonus to the All-Pro safety's deal. Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the restructured deal, which was first reported by ESPN. The Dolphins acquired Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Steelers last month that sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick, who became one of the top safeties in the NFL with the Steelers, returned to the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2018 and traded him away at his request in 2019. There previously was no guaranteed money left on Fitzpatrick's contract that runs through 2026. No years were added, but Rosenhaus said they're seeking a multiyear extension. The Dolphins cleared $11 million in cap space in the restructured deal by converting part of Fitzpatrick's salary to a bonus, according to NFL Network. Fitzpatrick had $2 million of his 2026 salary moved up to this coming season. He is now due $17.5 million in 2025 and $15.6 million in 2026. Fitzpatrick had signed a four-year extension with the Steelers in 2022 that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time and gave him $36 million in guarantees. ___ AP NFL: Alanis Thames, The Associated Press

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store