Dolphins Trade 5-Time Pro Bowler to AFC East Rival

Miami sends star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets in a surprising divisional deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are continuing their roster overhaul this offseason, agreeing to trade 5-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to their AFC East division rival, the New York Jets, in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are undergoing a major rebuild under new leadership, parting ways with several key players like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Trading Fitzpatrick, one of their top defensive stars, to a division opponent is an unexpected move that signals a full-scale roster reset in Miami.

The details

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are sending Fitzpatrick, a 5-time Pro Bowl selection, to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. The trade comes after Miami previously released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as part of their offseason overhaul under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.

  • The trade was announced on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A 5-time Pro Bowl safety who has played for the Miami Dolphins since being drafted in the first round in 2018.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, hired this offseason to oversee a major roster rebuild.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hired this offseason to lead the team's turnaround efforts.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins who was released earlier this offseason as part of the team's roster overhaul.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN reporter who broke the news of the Dolphins' trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets.

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What they’re saying

“This trade signals that the Dolphins are committed to a full-scale rebuild and are willing to part with even their top defensive talents to acquire more draft capital.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to continue overhauling their roster this offseason, with more potential trades and free agent signings expected as they aim to build a contender for the future.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick to their AFC East rival Jets is a bold move that underscores the team's commitment to a complete roster reset under new leadership. It remains to be seen if this strategy will pay dividends down the road, but it's clear the Dolphins are willing to make tough decisions to reshape their team.