Cowboys Linked to All-Pro Safety With Coaching Ties

Minkah Fitzpatrick could be available as Miami Dolphins rebuild, reuniting him with Cowboys defensive backs coach

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:15pm

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The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to have interest in trading for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowler who has ties to the Cowboys' coaching staff. Fitzpatrick previously played for Cowboys defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley at Alabama, and the Dolphins are reportedly open to trading him as they undergo a roster overhaul under a new regime.

Why it matters

Adding an elite talent like Fitzpatrick could be a game-changer for the Cowboys' struggling secondary, which was one of the worst in the NFL last season. His familiarity with Ansley could also help him quickly acclimate to the Cowboys' defense and provide an instant boost.

The details

Fitzpatrick, a first-round pick in 2018, has been a standout safety in his eight-year NFL career, making five Pro Bowls and earning a top-5 safety ranking from Pro Football Focus in 2025. He has 690 tackles, 60 pass deflections, and 21 interceptions. The Dolphins are reportedly open to trading Fitzpatrick as they undergo a roster reset under new head coach Jeff Hafley, who also has a connection to Ansley from their time together with the Green Bay Packers.

  • The Dolphins released several high-profile players this week, including Tyreek Hill, signaling the start of a rebuild.
  • Fitzpatrick was previously traded from the Dolphins to the Steelers in 2019 before being traded back in 2021.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A five-time Pro Bowl safety who has been a standout player for the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers over the past eight seasons.

Derrick Ansley

The Dallas Cowboys' defensive backs coach, who previously worked with Fitzpatrick at Alabama.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who also has a connection to Ansley from their time together with the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“The #Dolphins have had trade talks with teams regarding 5x Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick.”

— Jordan Schultz

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to engage in trade discussions with the Dolphins to determine if they can acquire Fitzpatrick, who would provide an immediate boost to their secondary.

The takeaway

The Cowboys have a chance to land an elite defensive playmaker in Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has a strong connection to their coaching staff. Acquiring Fitzpatrick could be a game-changer for a Dallas defense that struggled mightily last season.