Minkah Fitzpatrick could soon be on the move as the Miami Dolphins continue their significant roster overhaul. Alongside Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, Miami has engaged in discussions concerning a possible trade involving the former All-Pro safety. Fitzpatrick has one year left on his current contract, making him a valuable yet potentially movable asset in the ongoing reshuffle.
Originally a first-round pick by the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick was traded back to Miami last year after an impressive six-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During those years in Pittsburgh, he established himself as an elite safety, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors.
Fitzpatrick’s Versatility and Career Highlights
Fitzpatrick’s adaptability was a hallmark during his time in Pittsburgh. Early in his Steelers career, he was a standout in creating turnovers, but team needs shifted his role more toward run defense in 2021. Embracing this, he posted a career-high 124 tackles along with interceptions and forced fumbles. The following year, he led the league with six interceptions, securing a Pro Bowl invite. Last season, while defending under the Miami Dolphins’ new coordinator Anthony Weaver—who previously coached Fitzpatrick in Baltimore—his stat line included 82 tackles, a sack, and multiple forced and recovered fumbles.
New England Patriots: A Strategic Defensive Addition
The New England Patriots could be a strong candidate to acquire Fitzpatrick, especially if their current free safety target, Jaylinn Hawkins, chooses to sign elsewhere in the upcoming free agency period. Adding Fitzpatrick would bolster a defense featuring corners Christian Gonzalez and Craig Woodson, and the player’s past chemistry with linebacker Robert Spillane from Pittsburgh’s days together strengthens his fit. Despite their strong overall defense, the Patriots ranked near the bottom in red-zone defense last season, a weakness that Fitzpatrick’s ball-hawking and run-stopping skills could address.
However, Miami may hesitate to trade him to a divisional rival unless offered an exceptionally compelling deal.
Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Upgrade Options
The Cowboys represent a logical destination given their defensive struggles last year and owner Jerry Jones’ penchant for high-profile acquisitions. The potential departure of safety Malik Harrison could open the door for Fitzpatrick’s arrival. His ability to improve both run and pass defenses would be a much-needed boost.
Additionally, Fitzpatrick’s existing rapport with Steelers teammate George Pickens, with whom he had intense practice confrontations, could translate into on-field chemistry in Dallas. The switch to Christian Parker’s 3-4 defensive scheme also suits Fitzpatrick well, as it mirrors the alignment where he previously excelled.
San Francisco 49ers: Strengthening Pass Defense Under New Leadership
The 49ers would offer Fitzpatrick the chance to work with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who has a reputation for developing top-tier safeties like Jessie Bates III. After struggling with injuries and a problematic pass defense last year—ranking low in interceptions and touchdown passes allowed—the team could significantly benefit from Fitzpatrick’s presence.
His addition would enhance the 49ers’ ability to contend with divisional quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Kyler Murray, improving their secondary’s overall resilience.
Los Angeles Rams: Filling Gaps Through Experience
The Rams may see Fitzpatrick as a key to surpassing the reigning champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Denver’s secondary has talented players but lacks both pace and veteran leadership. Fitzpatrick’s arrival would bolster that unit immediately, providing support to defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s young core of Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kamren Curl, and Quentin Lake.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Complex Reunion Scenario
Returning to the Steelers would reunite Fitzpatrick with stars like Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and newly acquired Jalen Ramsey, who was part of the trade that originally sent Fitzpatrick to Miami. This could create a formidable secondary when combined with DeShon Elliott and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
However, NFL trading rules prohibit a player from being traded back to a former team within two years of his initial trade. This means the Steelers could only acquire Fitzpatrick if he is released by Miami, a step that currently seems unlikely.
Midwestern Prospects: Bears, Vikings, and Lions
While these three teams face challenges in their safety positions, each has established veterans already in place. The Bears boast Kevin Byard, who led the NFL with seven interceptions last season. The Vikings still have Harrison Smith, though his advancing age and approaching free agency may prompt changes. The Lions rely on Kerby Joseph, an All-Pro setback by injury last year.
Among these, the Vikings appear the most likely to pursue Fitzpatrick, considering Smith’s eventual departure and the pressing need to rejuvenate their secondary.
Washington Commanders and New York Jets: Rebuilding Challenges
The Commanders and Jets are both struggling units, battling to improve their defensive backfields after difficult 2025 seasons. Fitzpatrick’s potential trades here raise questions about his willingness to join teams suffering from poor recent results. Of the two, Washington offers a more promising destination, boasting a defensive-minded head coach, Dan Quinn, and only two years removed from an NFC title game appearance, making it a more attractive option for a player of Fitzpatrick’s caliber.
Impact and Future Outlook for the Trade Market
As the Dolphins clear cap space and reshape their roster, Minkah Fitzpatrick’s trade status has become one of the more dramatic and uncertain storylines of the NFL offseason. His demonstrated versatility, leadership, and production make him a coveted asset among multiple franchises, each with specific defensive needs.
The eventual trade destination will carry significant implications not only for Fitzpatrick’s career but also for the strategies of teams looking to strengthen their defenses ahead of the next season. Whether Fitzpatrick lands in a contender like New England or Dallas, or a rebuilding team such as Washington, his presence will be a game-changer in a league where elite safeties are rare commodities.
Sources: The #Dolphins have had trade talks with teams regarding 5x Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Miami released four players earlier this week, including Tyreek Hill, and are in the early stages of resetting the roster under a new regime. pic.twitter.com/bADGD0Ndrj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 18, 2026
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on the multiple one on ones today between Minkah Fitzpatrick and George Pickens. “That wasn’t for Minkah,” Tomlin said with a smile. pic.twitter.com/iDzq6uunLy
— BryanDeArdo (@BryanDeArdo) August 16, 2022
