DeShon Elliott loses his “partner in crime” Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Steelers made a monster trade Monday morning, sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap.
One Steeler affected by the trade is strong safety DeShon Elliott, who signed with Pittsburgh in the 2024 offseason and was extended in 2025. Playing alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, Elliott enjoyed a career year as a box safety while Fitzpatrick handled single-high coverage duties.
Now, only Elliott remains in the black and gold.
On X, formerly Twitter, after the trade, Elliott shared his reaction to the trade:
“Happy 5 (Jalen Ramsey) is a Steeler! But boy imma miss my partner in crime . Both Potential Gold Jackets , respect the game ! This s—- a business at the end of the day,” he posted.
Elliott isn’t wrong that both defensive backs already have impressive NFL legacies. Each have three first-team All-Pros. Fitzpatrick has five Pro Bowls. Ramsey has seven as well as a Super Bowl ring.
The Steelers sending Fitzpatrick back to the team that drafted him isn’t the only past connection highlighted by the trade. Elliott played with Ramsey in Miami in 2023. Despite losing his “partner in crime” in Fitzpatrick, he’s now reunited with an old teammate.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen also posted a farewell to Fitzpatrick:
Only got one year with ya 39 but your approach to be the best everyday was definitely contagious. Best of luck back in Miami pic.twitter.com/KGMR6O4PXu
— (@Patrickqueen_) June 30, 2025