Dolphins Trade Fitzpatrick to Jets
The Jets just snagged five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins for a 7th-round pick Jets To Acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick From Dolphins; S Agrees To Extension, Sources: Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets - ESPN. Fitzpatrick also agreed to a contract extension with New York, boosting their defense Jets To Acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick From Dolphins; S Agrees To Extension. What other defensive upgrades are the Jets planning?
Fitzpatrick's arrival addresses a major need for the Jets, who are looking to improve upon a dismal 3-14 season in 2025. The Jets defense ranked 31st in the league in points allowed. The team also had a league-low four forced turnovers and zero interceptions. The Jets are signing Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million deal, averaging $13.33 million per season. This salary places him among the top-paid safeties in the NFL. Fitzpatrick is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. New York has approximately $77 million in cap space for the 2026 season, ranking fourth in the NFL. The team still has needs to address in free agency and the upcoming draft. General Manager Darren Mougey has been active in acquiring defensive talent, including Harrison Phillips, Jowon Briggs, and Jarvis Brownlee. The Dolphins are undergoing a rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season and the hiring of a new general manager and head coach. Releasing Tua Tagovailoa will result in a dead money cap hit of $42.9 million for the Dolphins in 2026. Early projections estimate the Dolphins will win only 4.5 games in 2026. Fitzpatrick, who will turn 30 during the 2026 season, was originally drafted by the Dolphins with the 11th overall pick in 2018. Before being traded back to Miami, he played six seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-2024). In 2025, he recorded 82 total tackles, one interception, and one sack for the Dolphins. In 120 career games, Fitzpatrick has 690 total tackles, 21 interceptions, 60 passes defended, six forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. He was also the NFL's interception co-leader in 2022. New Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker is familiar with Fitzpatrick, having coached him with the Dolphins.
