While the recent departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick has ruffled more than a few feathers in Pittsburgh — ex-NFL CB Asante Samuel Sr. believes it was worth acquiring Jalen Ramsey.
On Monday’s episode of the Say What Needs To Be Said podcast, Samuel revealed his high hopes for the Ramsey-led Steelers defense this season — and criticized the Dolphins’ trade mindset:
“If the Steelers’ defense was ranked 12th in total defense, with almost no production from Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, I know, and I guarantee, Jalen Ramsey will make this defense a better defense,” Asante said. “And the Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey, other than that they were sensitive. There’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization. Mike McDaniels is a pushover. Chris Greer, the general manager, has no backbone. These guys over here, the Miami Dolphins, they are running this team like a little league team. …
“To me, it doesn’t make sense. Because [the Dolphins] traded for another safety, when Jalen Ramsey could easily be moved to safety and be way more productive than the person you just traded for.”
Aside from the harsh criticism and complete dismantling of the Dolphins organization, Samuel hit the nail right on the head — the Steelers defense has gotten very few splash plays in return from Fitzpatrick over the past two seasons, while Ramsey is a proven ball hawk, solid tackler, and offers versatility across the secondary.
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