Dolphins Explore Trading $73M Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

New Dolphins leadership considering moving on from star defensive back

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:31am

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The Miami Dolphins have been actively exploring trade options for 5-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, according to NFL insider reports. The Dolphins' new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan have already made several roster moves this offseason, cutting high-priced players like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb to save around $60 million in cap space.

Why it matters

Fitzpatrick is one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL, making over $73 million on his current contract. Trading him would be a major shakeup for the Dolphins' defense and signal a shift in the team's strategy under new leadership.

The details

Sources indicate the Dolphins have had trade discussions with other teams about potentially moving Fitzpatrick, who has been a standout player for the team since being drafted in the 1st round in 2018. The Dolphins are looking to reshape their roster and free up significant salary cap space as they transition to a new coaching staff and front office.

  • The Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach in January 2026.
  • The Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager in February 2026.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A 5-time Pro Bowl safety for the Miami Dolphins who is currently under a $73 million contract.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hired in January 2026.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, hired in February 2026.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will continue to evaluate trade options for Fitzpatrick in the coming weeks as they finalize their roster plans for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' new leadership is wasting no time putting their stamp on the team, with Fitzpatrick's potential trade being the latest high-profile move as they look to reshape the roster and free up significant salary cap space.