Dolphins News
The Miami Dolphins are open to trading three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick before Tuesday’s trade deadline. Multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring the veteran defender.
The development comes just two days after the Dolphins traded outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick. Miami sent Phillips to the Eagles on Monday morning as the franchise begins selling off veterans amid a disappointing season.
The Dolphins sit at 2-7 following Thursday night’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Owner Stephen Ross fired general manager Chris Grier on Friday morning, signaling the start of a roster teardown. Interim general manager Champ Kelly now faces Tuesday’s 4:00 PM deadline as Miami positions itself as a seller.
Fitzpatrick rejoined the Dolphins in June after spending six seasons in Pittsburgh. Miami sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in the trade. The Dolphins originally drafted Fitzpatrick in the first round in 2018 before trading him to Pittsburgh one year later.
The 28-year-old safety earned three first-team All-Pro selections with the Steelers in 2019, 2020 and 2022. He made five Pro Bowls during his Pittsburgh tenure. His production has declined since returning to Miami, with one interception and 50 combined tackles through nine games this season.
Fitzpatrick remains under contract through 2026. The Dolphins restructured his deal after the June trade to make the salary more manageable. Any acquiring team would inherit a contract that provides two seasons of control.
Miami expressed a desire to retain Fitzpatrick long-term when they reacquired him. Those plans have changed dramatically following the team’s collapse. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, the longest active drought in the NFL.
Kelly must balance competing interests before Tuesday’s deadline. The Dolphins need to maximize draft capital while avoiding deals that appear desperate. Sources indicate Miami has rejected inquiries about receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Fitzpatrick joins a list of available Dolphins veterans. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and cornerback Rasul Douglas have also drawn trade interest. Miami aims to stockpile draft picks for a rebuild that appears inevitable.
Ross acknowledged the franchise’s failures in his statement announcing Grier’s departure. “Our performance on the field and our team-building process have not been good enough,” Ross said. “There are no excuses.”
The Steelers cannot reacquire Fitzpatrick under NFL rules. Teams must wait at least two full seasons before trading for a player they previously dealt away.
