Jets Acquire Dolphins Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

Trade brings three-time All-Pro to New York's secondary

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Jets have agreed to acquire three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. Fitzpatrick, 29, will reunite with Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker, who previously coached him in Miami.

Why it matters

The Jets' secondary struggled mightily in 2025, failing to record a single interception all season. Fitzpatrick's arrival provides a major boost to the team's defensive backfield and should help improve their pass defense.

The details

Fitzpatrick spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned three All-Pro selections. The Dolphins acquired him in a trade last offseason. Now he will join a Jets defense looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

  • The trade was agreed to on March 9, 2026.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A 29-year-old safety who has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times and named an All-Pro three times in his career.

Brian Duker

The new defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, who previously coached Fitzpatrick as the secondary coach and pass game coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.

New York Jets

An NFL team based in New York that struggled mightily in pass defense in 2025, failing to record a single interception all season.

Miami Dolphins

The NFL team that traded away three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Fitzpatrick is a game-changing player who will immediately improve our secondary. We're thrilled to add him to our defense.”

— Robert Saleh, Head Coach, New York Jets (New York Times)

What’s next

The Jets will look to integrate Fitzpatrick into their defensive scheme as quickly as possible, with the goal of having him ready to contribute by the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This trade represents a significant upgrade for the Jets' secondary and should help them improve their pass defense after a dismal 2025 campaign. Fitzpatrick's arrival also reunites him with a familiar face in defensive coordinator Brian Duker, which should ease his transition to the new team.