Minkah Fitzpatrick could be the latest name to leave the Miami Dolphins. According to reports from Jordan Schultz, the safety has been involved in trade talks just one year after returning to the franchise. Fitzpatrick’s time in Miami could be cut short for the second time.
Dolphins Could Trade Minkah Fitzpatrick for the Second Time
Miami is entering another rebuild, its second since the 2019 season. The Dolphins released four players on Monday, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Another key player could now be moved.
Schultz reported on Wednesday that Fitzpatrick has been the subject of trade talks. The safety played 14 games in 2025, and his time in Miami could again be cut short.
“The Dolphins have had trade talks with teams regarding 5x Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick. Miami released four players earlier this week, including Tyreek Hill, and are in the early stages of resetting the roster under a new regime,” Scultz wrote on X.
Sources: The #Dolphins have had trade talks with teams regarding 5x Pro Bowl S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Miami released four players earlier this week, including Tyreek Hill, and are in the early stages of resetting the roster under a new regime. pic.twitter.com/bADGD0Ndrj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 18, 2026
Fitzpatrick’s relationship with the Dolphins has been unusual. He was the franchise’s first-round pick in 2019, only to be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers a year later as part of Miami’s rebuild. He returned in 2025 after another trade with the Steelers and could be moved once more in the coming weeks.
Fitzpatrick’s performance has declined over the past three seasons. PFSN’s Safety Impact Metric ranked him No. 48 after the 2025 season with a 73.6 grade. By comparison, he was ranked No. 1 in 2020, his first full season with the Steelers.
What’s the Plan for the Dolphins in 2026?
Miami is expected to use the season as a rebuild. Veterans such as Hill and Chubb were released as part of a broader strategy. The Dolphins absorbed significant dead cap with the moves announced Monday. The long-term vision is to build a competitive roster under new leadership.
Chris Grier, who drafted Fitzpatrick and later traded for him, was dismissed midway through the 2025 season. Coach Mike McDaniel was fired after the season ended. Jeff Hafley has taken over as head coach, with Jon-Eric Sullivan named general manager.
The Dolphins are not expected to be competitive in 2026. They are unlikely to challenge the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills for the AFC East. The franchise hopes its long-term approach will eventually make Miami competitive, but it cannot afford to miss as it did following the 2019 rebuild.
