Five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick could be the next notable veteran out the door for the Miami Dolphins.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Wednesday the team has discussed potential trades centered around the veteran safety.
The Dolphins have already released wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and edge-rusher Bradley Chubb is reportedly meeting the same fate.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, some within the NFL think the front office is even prepared to cut quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the cost of a $99.2 million dead cap hit.
Having hired a new head coach (Jeff Hafley) and general manager (Jon-Eric Sullivan), the Dolphins are pivoting toward a one-year reset or a full-scale rebuild. Which one of those applies depends on how quickly they want to turn things around in 2027.
Fitzpatrick is on an expiring contract, so he’s a natural candidate for the trade market. Given his reputation, some suitors should be willing to step up to the plate as well.
The 29-year-old had 82 total tackles, one interception and six pass breakups in 14 games with the Dolphins in 2025. While no longer performing at an All-Pro level, he remains an effective presence in the secondary.
And while rival general managers could try to play hardball, Sullivan can counter back and point to the fact it’s more financially advantageous for Miami to cut Fitzpatrick.
Trading him doesn’t save that much money.
Releasing him outright, on the other hand, would give the team $15.6 million in new cap space while adding dead money hits of $3.2 million and $9.7 million for the next two years.
For a team that’s interested in Fitzpatrick, a trade is a surefire way to land him. Allowing him to hit free agency opens the door for a competitive bidding war.