Dolphins Trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets Amid Rebuilding Phase

The Miami Dolphins have traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick originally owned by the Los Angeles Chargers. The trade, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by NFL Network insiders, is set to be finalized at the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Fitzpatrick will sign a three-year contract worth $40 million with the Jets, as confirmed by his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

ESPNHeavyReport: Miami Dolphins trade DB Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York JetsJets to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick from Dolphins in trade, sign safety to three-year, $40M extensionMiami HeraldHeavyNFL insider predicts major trade involving Dolphins' most prolific weapon

Fitzpatrick, 29, returns to the AFC East after a circuitous career path that began when he was drafted by the Dolphins as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, where he earned five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. The Dolphins reacquired him in 2025, where he recorded 82 tackles, one interception, and six pass deflections over the season.

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This trade follows the Dolphins' recent decision to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, marking a significant shift in the team's strategy under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Sullivan indicated that the Dolphins are entering a rebuilding phase, stating, “Everything’s on the table when it comes to Minkah,” suggesting that the organization is open to making substantial changes.

Report: Miami Dolphins trade DB Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York Jets

The Dolphins' decision to trade Fitzpatrick reduces their cap commitment from $18.8 million to $12.9 million, freeing up approximately $5.8 million in cap space. This move aligns with the Dolphins' intent to reshape their roster and potentially acquire younger talent through the draft or free agency.

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For the Jets, acquiring Fitzpatrick addresses a critical need in their secondary, which struggled significantly last season, becoming the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception. Fitzpatrick's experience and skill set are expected to bolster a defense that is undergoing significant changes, including the departure of former starters Andre Cisco and Tony Adams, both of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents.

Jets to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick from Dolphins in trade, sign safety to three-year, $40M extension

Defensive coordinator Brian Duker, who previously coached Fitzpatrick in Miami, is expected to leverage Fitzpatrick's abilities to enhance the Jets' defensive performance. The addition of Fitzpatrick is seen as a pivotal step in the Jets' efforts to rebuild their secondary.

HeavyJets to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick from Dolphins in trade, sign safety to three-year, $40M extensionESPNMiami HeraldReport: Miami Dolphins trade DB Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York JetsHeavyNFL insider predicts major trade involving Dolphins' most prolific weapon

While the trade has been largely viewed as a positive move for the Jets, some analysts have pointed out Fitzpatrick's declining interception numbers, noting he has only two picks in the past three seasons. This raises questions about his impact on the Jets' defense moving forward.

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As both teams navigate their respective futures, the Dolphins are expected to continue their roster overhaul, potentially targeting new players in the upcoming draft. The Jets, on the other hand, may not be finished with their defensive upgrades, as they look to solidify their secondary further.

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• “Everything’s on the table when it comes to Minkah,” — Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager

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• “Fitzpatrick is 29, but still among [the] better in [the] NFL.” — Connor Hughes, NFL Insider

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This trade marks a significant moment for both franchises as they redefine their identities in the league.

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