The Miami Dolphins are in rebuild mode and are willing to part ways with some of their key contributors for the right price. Among the players they could be listening to offers for is defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Dolphins came into this season as a team that is beginning anew under the new regime of Brian Flores. Coming into Week 1, not many people believed that Miami would have a chance to upset the Baltimore Ravens.
Those people were right and the Ravens stomped on the Dolphins by the score of 59-10 in an embarrassing loss at home. Following their defeat, there were rumors of players requesting to be traded from the team due to the state of the franchise.
The Dolphins already shipped Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, and Kiko Alonso to other teams—and Fitzpatrick could be next. Fitzpatrick is only in his second season in Miami after the organization selected him with the 11th overall pick in last year's draft.
In today's NFL, every team is searching for a versatile safety that can play multiple positions in the defense. Over the past two seasons, Fitzpatrick has thrived as a slot cornerback—along with being able to play either safety position.
With that being said, here are four ideal trade destinations for the Dolphins defensive back.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers would be a dark horse candidate that could pick up the phone to inquire about Fitzpatrick. The Chargers have a talented secondary, but they are currently hindered by the injuries to multiple defensive backs.
Presently, Los Angeles is expected to be without cornerback Michael Davis in Week 2 and of course, they will be without standout safety Derwin James until later in the season. Therefore, the Chargers could bring in Fitzpatrick to provide them with a movable piece in their secondary.
Along with helping with their current injuries, Fitzpatrick could become a dangerous tandem with James when he makes his return to the field. Could you imagine having to worry about both of those guys as an offensive coordinator?
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Another team in the AFC West who could show interest in the Dolphins defensive back is the Kansas City Chiefs. Everyone knows about Kansas City's high-powered offense that is led by Patrick Mahomes.
On the other hand, the Chiefs' defense was reworked this offseason, but it still has some holes that need to be filled. Among the voids in their defense, the Chiefs could use a versatile defensive back that can excel at slot cornerback.
This offseason, Kansas City signed Tyrann Mathieu, but one guy surely can't fix a pass defense that was ranked 31st in the NFL in 2018. Pairing Mathieu with a young player like Fitzpatrick would make Steve Spagnuolo's life a lot easier.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown a tendency to not get involved in the trade market. Over the team's history, the Steelers have been wary of acquiring players due to having to pay that player upon his arrival.
However, for Fitzpatrick, the potential star defensive back still has four years left on his rookie contract. On his rookie deal, the 22-year-old is owed under $3 million over each of the next three seasons.
Additionally, whatever team decides to make a move for Fitzpatrick, they also will have the opportunity to pick up his fifth-year option. The Steelers are in dire need of help in their secondary and Fitzpatrick can play multiple positions.
Lastly, after getting embarrassed by Tom Brady on national television in Week 1, Mike Tomlin may be more inclined to pick up the phone.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Entering Week 1, all eyes were on Carson Wentz upon his return to the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz was phenomenal in his first game back on the field, but it was hard not to notice how bad the secondary was for Philadelphia.
To begin the game, the Washington Redskins were able to jump out to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. Despite the defense allowing Case Keenum to throw for 380 yards and three touchdowns, the Eagles' offense bailed them out to win the game 32-27.
Since becoming the general manager in 2010, Howie Roseman hasn't been afraid to use trades to improve the roster. This time around, the Eagles could get themselves a young defensive back on a cheap contract. It'd be shocking to see Philadelphia not be a candidate for landing Fitzpatrick.
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