The Miami Dolphins have certainly been busy this week, shaking up their roster in a big way. Among the notable moves, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb found themselves on the chopping block, and it seems Tua Tagovailoa might be following suit.
This roster overhaul has raised questions about Minkah Fitzpatrick's future with the team. Fitzpatrick, now 30, is entering the last year of his contract, carrying a hefty cap hit of $18.8 million. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reports that the Dolphins are receiving interest from several teams regarding Fitzpatrick’s availability.
Given the current scenario, Miami doesn't have much leverage. Teams might only need to part with a conditional Day 3 pick to acquire Fitzpatrick, considering his age, contract, and the Dolphins' situation.
The San Francisco 49ers, in particular, could benefit from Fitzpatrick's experience. While they could draft a safety, relying on a rookie to make an immediate impact is always a gamble. Fitzpatrick offers a proven track record and could be a valuable addition right away.
Some teams might wait to see if the Dolphins release Fitzpatrick, but if he's a player you believe can enhance your roster, trading a draft pick could be a smart move.
Fitzpatrick did face some injury challenges last season, missing the final three games due to a calf strain. However, he played the entire 2024 season and only missed a few games in 2023 due to various injuries.
When it comes to his play, Fitzpatrick has been one of the top safeties since Kyle Shanahan took the reins as a head coach. Last season, he recorded six tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and allowed just a 56 percent completion rate. His ability to read the game is exceptional.
Fitzpatrick's versatility is a major asset. Early in the season, he was used as the high safety 50 percent of the time and 27 percent in the slot. As the season progressed, his role shifted to 45 percent in the slot and 32.5 percent as the high safety.
Overall, Fitzpatrick lined up at free safety for 333 snaps, in the slot for 289 snaps, as a linebacker 97 times, on the edge 43 times, and even four times as a box safety. His presence would allow Malik Mustapha to remain in the box, where he's most effective.
Statistically, Fitzpatrick excelled as a high safety, allowing a passer rating of just 50.5. His expertise could be invaluable to young players like Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Marques Sigle, as well as any new safeties the team might draft.
For the 49ers, adding a seasoned veteran like Fitzpatrick to their secondary could be crucial in avoiding the rookie mistakes that plagued them in 2025. If the Dolphins decide to part ways with him, Fitzpatrick would be a top-tier option to bolster their defense.