Jets Acquire Star Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in Trade with Dolphins

New Jersey native signs $40M extension to join New York's defense

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

The New York Jets have acquired three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in a trade. The Jets will send a seventh-round pick to the Dolphins and sign Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million contract extension.

Why it matters

Fitzpatrick, a New Jersey native, fills a major need for the Jets, who were the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception. His addition should immediately improve the Jets' struggling defense under new coordinator Brian Duker.

The details

The 29-year-old Fitzpatrick had one year left on his contract with the Dolphins worth $15.6 million. He was originally drafted 11th overall by Miami in 2018 out of Alabama, where he won two national titles. Fitzpatrick spent most of six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making the All-Pro team three times and recording 18 interceptions, before being traded back to the Dolphins last June.

  • The trade will be finalized on Wednesday, the start of the NFL's new league year.
  • Fitzpatrick had one year left on his contract with the Dolphins before the trade.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl safety who was born in New Jersey and is now joining the Jets on a three-year, $40 million contract extension.

Aaron Glenn

The Jets' head coach, who is looking to upgrade his defense in his second season.

Brian Duker

The Jets' new defensive coordinator, who previously worked on the Dolphins' staff and has familiarity with Fitzpatrick.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' former starting quarterback, who the team announced will be released.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The trade will be finalized on Wednesday, the start of the NFL's new league year.

The takeaway

This trade represents a significant upgrade for the Jets' defense, as they acquire one of the top safeties in the league in Minkah Fitzpatrick. His addition should help the Jets improve on their historic lack of interceptions last season and provide a major boost to their secondary.