The Miami Dolphins came into the start of NFL free agency with two major moves before the negotiation window even warmed up. First, the franchise informed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa he will be released when the new league year begins. A decision that comes with a record $99.2 million in dead money hitting Miami's books.
Then, almost immediately after, the Dolphins traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets in exchange for the Los Angeles Chargers' 2026 seventh-round pick.
Fitzpatrick, 29, started 14 games last season and finished with 82 tackles, an interception, six pass breakups and the first sack of his eight-year career.
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New York agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with Fitzpatrick, per agent Drew Rosenhaus.
He had one year left on his Miami deal at $17.6 million. The trade clears roughly $5.9 million in cap space for the Dolphins.
Fitzpatrick's road to New York has been anything but straight. Miami drafted him 11th overall in 2018, but a falling out with then-head coach Brian Flores over his role led to a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers just one season in.
Pittsburgh is where he built his name. Five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors and a four-year, $73.6 million extension in 2022 that briefly made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Through eight seasons, his career numbers stand at 690 tackles, 21 interceptions and six forced fumbles.
For the Jets, this move fills a hole that was hard to ignore. Andre Cisco and Tony Adams, two of New York's top three safeties by snap count in 2025, are both headed to free agency. Fitzpatrick does not just replace them, he upgrades the position outright.
He'll play alongside fellow Alabama product Malachi Moore, who racked up 101 tackles as a rookie last season.
The Jets have already addressed one of their biggest offseason needs before free agency officially opens. And given the length and structure of Fitzpatrick's deal, this is not a short-term patch.
