Jets Acquire Star Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from Dolphins

New York Jets bolster secondary with trade for Pro Bowl defensive back

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Jets have acquired five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 7th-round pick. Fitzpatrick, 29, is considered one of the top defensive backs in the NFL and will help shore up the Jets' secondary, which struggled to create turnovers in 2025.

Why it matters

The trade for Fitzpatrick is a significant move for the Jets as they look to rebuild their defense and return to playoff contention. Fitzpatrick's elite ball-hawking skills and versatility will be a major asset for new defensive coordinator Brian Duker and head coach Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme.

The details

Fitzpatrick was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the 1st round in 2018 and has made the Pro Bowl 5 times in his career. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 before returning to Miami last season. In 2022, Fitzpatrick led the NFL with 21 interceptions over the past 8 seasons. The Jets are expected to sign Fitzpatrick to a 3-year, $40 million contract extension after the trade.

  • The Jets made the trade for Fitzpatrick during the NFL's legal tampering period, which began on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • Fitzpatrick led the NFL with 21 interceptions over the past 8 seasons in 2022.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A 29-year-old Pro Bowl safety who has been one of the top defensive backs in the NFL over the past several seasons.

Aaron Glenn

The Jets' new defensive coordinator who will be calling plays for the team's defense in 2026.

Brian Duker

The Jets' new defensive coordinator who has prior experience working with Fitzpatrick from his time as the Dolphins' passing game coordinator in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and will be a game-changer for our defense. We're excited to add his playmaking ability to our secondary.”

— Joe Douglas, Jets General Manager (Jets press release)

What’s next

The Jets are expected to sign Minkah Fitzpatrick to a 3-year, $40 million contract extension after completing the trade.

The takeaway

The Jets' trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick is a clear sign that the team is committed to rebuilding its defense and secondary in particular. Fitzpatrick's elite ball-hawking skills and versatility will be a major boost as the Jets look to return to playoff contention in 2026.