Steelers HC Mike Tomlin shares his feelings on Minkah Fitzpatrick trade at training camp
Part of a blockbuster trade that saw the Steelers acquire All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick's absence in Latrobe was deafening — and HC Mike Tomlin wasted little time addressing the elephant in the room.
When speaking with reporters at Wednesday's press conference, Tomlin was asked how difficult it was to trade a player who meant so much to the Steelers' defense — and this was his response:
"Very difficult," Tomlin said. "His experience here and the production that he gave us speaks for itself. But you've got to make tough choices, and obviously I've been talking glowingly about two top-notch players we acquired in that [trade]. But I don't lessen the impact of a player like Minkah."
It's safe to say Tomlin, while disappointed in losing a player he was very close to, is eager to see Smith and Ramsey in action after the blockbuster deal.
One has to wonder if there's any resentment from Fitzpatrick — as he seemed ready for a bounce-back year with Pittsburgh, based on his comments at minicamp. If there are even slightly any hard feelings, we'll find out for certain when Miami heads to Pittsburgh in Week 15 for Monday Night Football — an action-packed matchup with potential playoff implications late in the season.
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