Bengals Could Land Minkah Fitzpatrick in Blockbuster Trade

The former Steelers star would solve a major weakness in Cincinnati's defense.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly interested in trading for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a three-time All-Pro who would provide a major boost to their secondary. Fitzpatrick, 29, has been one of the best safeties in the NFL for nearly a decade and would give the Bengals a versatile playmaker to pair with Jordan Battle in the defensive backfield.

Why it matters

The Bengals have lacked a proven safety since Jessie Bates left in free agency, and Fitzpatrick would immediately upgrade their defense and give them a true difference-maker on the back end. His ability to play deep coverage, defend the slot, and even rush the passer would make him an ideal fit in Cincinnati's scheme.

The details

To acquire Fitzpatrick, the Bengals could offer a late-round pick swap, moving back from the 18th pick in the 6th round to the 11th pick in the 7th round. The Dolphins are unlikely to get much in return for the veteran, so the Bengals may be able to land him at a relatively low cost. Fitzpatrick is set to make $15.6 million in non-guaranteed salary, which the Bengals could lower by reworking his contract after the trade.

  • The Dolphins are currently in talks with teams about a possible Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
  • Fitzpatrick did not play against the Bengals when the two teams met in December 2025.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A three-time All-Pro safety who has been one of the best in the NFL for nearly a decade. Fitzpatrick is a versatile defensive back who can play deep coverage, defend the slot, and even rush the passer.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, who has faced off against Fitzpatrick multiple times when he was with the Steelers.

Ja'Marr Chase

The Bengals' star wide receiver, who has a famous viral photo of him giving Fitzpatrick the double bird during a game, but has since said he respects the safety.

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What they’re saying

“They like to use Minkah kind of like the Ravens use Kyle Hamilton. We'll see if Minkah ends up playing or not. You always have to be aware of where he's at.”

— Joe Burrow

“Minkah not even ranked on my most hated list. I don't got a problem with Minkah. He just caught me at the heat of the moment that one year.”

— Ja'Marr Chase

What’s next

If the Bengals trade for Fitzpatrick, they would need to rework his contract to lower his $15.6 million cap hit for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a major coup for the Bengals, as he would immediately upgrade their secondary and give them a proven playmaker on the back end of their defense. The cost to land him should be relatively low, making this a potentially franchise-altering move for Cincinnati.