The Miami Dolphins have signaled a readiness to trade key players following the departure of longtime General Manager Chris Grier. Among those players is safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has garnered interest from multiple teams, according to insider Jordan Schultz.
The Dolphins acquired Fitzpatrick earlier this summer, and he has a manageable contract remaining. He is currently on a base salary of $1.26 million, meaning any team that acquires him would only owe him about $500,000 for the remainder of the season. Fitzpatrick is signed through 2026 but his future with Miami now appears uncertain as the team reassesses its roster during a difficult rebuild, compounded by their current 2-7 record.
Fitzpatrick, who turns 29 this month, has started all nine games this season and has recorded one interception. Advanced metrics show that he is performing well, ranking ninth among safeties this year. His experience will attract teams looking for defensive strength, especially since he has a solid track record, including being an All-Pro during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers before this trade.
The shift in direction follows a tumultuous period for the Dolphins franchise, which saw playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, marking the first consecutive postseason berths for the team since 1997-2001. However, the recent changes in management and on-field performance have raised questions about the team’s future.
Fitzpatrick’s name now joins a growing list of players potentially on the market, as owner Stephen Ross appears willing to trade veterans to acquire draft capital and reshape the team. While Fitzpatrick expressed a desire to stay with the Dolphins long-term after previously being traded away in his second season, the team’s current strategy necessitates a reconsideration of their roster.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether Fitzpatrick becomes the latest player to experience a change of scenery. The evolving landscape suggests that teams may be looking to make bold moves, and Fitzpatrick could be a valuable asset in that equation. The Dolphins’ management and their decision-making will be crucial in determining the team’s path forward, with the hopeful aim of revitalizing the franchise in the coming years.