Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick runs out for a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 24, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Miami Dolphins are in talks to trade All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, less than a year after acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a report by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Wednesday.
The Dolphins have already released four veteran players this week, including All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and are also dangling star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in trade talks as well, with Fitzpatrick joining the long list of veterans that either have already exited Miami or could be on their way out this offseason.
A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro with the Steelers from 2019-24, Fitzpatrick did not have the same kind of impact in his first season back in Miami — where he was initially drafted in 2018.
He recorded 82 tackles, four tackles for a loss, six passes defended, two quarterback hits, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 14 games for the Dolphins last season, the smallest total of statistical contributions since his rookie season.
While the Dolphins are shopping Fitzpatrick, the Steelers can’t be involved in those talks. By NFL rule, they can’t re-acquire Fitzpatrick until either his contract expires and he becomes an unrestricted free agent, he’s placed on waivers, or two years have passed since the trade that sent him to Miami.
The Steelers do still have an unsettled situation at safety since moving on from Fitzpatrick. They released opening-day starter Juan Thornhill midway through the 2025 season, moving Jalen Ramsey from slot cornerback to free safety, effectively making their swap in the trade that brought Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh a 1-for-1 exchange. It’s unclear if the Steelers will want to keep Ramsey at safety, move him back to the slot, or move on from him altogether in 2026.
Fitzpatrick has one season remaining on his deal with the Dolphins, which is scheduled to pay him $15.6 million in salary in 2026. His release or trade, before June 1, would cause a $13 million dead cap hit for the Dolphins, but save them over $5.8 million against the cap this coming season — something that could become essential if they can’t find a trading partner for Tagovailoa. His release would cost the Dolphins a $99 million dead cap hit.
Mentioned In This Article: Miami Dolphins Minkah Fitzpatrick Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers