The Miami Dolphins are officially entering a full rebuild this upcoming 2026 regular season, which is why they’re listening to trade offers for veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Selected as a first-round pick, Fitzpatrick returned to Miami after spending five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers acquired standout Jalen Ramsey while Fitzpatrick went back for one season, and with him on an expiring contract already, the Dolphins are trying to ship him to a new team to recoup some cap space and possible draft capital.
This trade shouldn’t surprise anyone, given that the team released players such as wide receiver Tyreek Hill and linebacker Bradley Chubb. Miami is already preparing to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa next, and if they can’t find a trade partner for Fitzpatrick, they will likely release him instead. Having hired new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, here are four teams that could roll the dice on the veteran.
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
Dolphins Fielding Trade Interest for Minkah Fitzpatrick; 4 Suitors Emerge
Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys tried to acquire Fitzpatrick last year via a trade before snatching Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, so this might be their chance to get him. However, the team doesn’t have the financial means to pull it off, considering they need to pay wide receiver George Pickens, which means if Fitzpatrick becomes a free agent instead, they could be waiting. While the Cowboys need a new cornerback, they could use some work in the safety department.
Free agent Donovan Wilson is coming off his worst season as a starter for Dallas, and there’s no guarantee he’ll return. Malik Hooker is not a free agent, but he’s considered a cap casualty, and the Cowboys might be leaning towards releasing him due to his age as well. Fitzpatrick is no different, but if the Cowboys can restructure Hooker’s contract, the team should add the former Pro Bowler to enhance new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s new scheme.
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing Justin Reid last offseason due to outstanding production, the safety unit for the Kansas City Chiefs is considered the weakest. The Chiefs are predicted to target Caleb Downs in this year’s draft, but they need an answer at the position. Free agent Bryan Cook is projected to leave, which means the team would lack veteran stability in its secondary unit. While they’re looking to extend Trent McDuffie to a new deal, the Chiefs should keep tabs on Fitzpatrick.
He won’t be the permanent solution, but he should get this team back on its feet since losing Reid.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers have built one of the more promising defenses over the last offseason. The team acquired defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and safety Tre’Von Moehrig, which led the team to appear in the postseason since the Cam Newton era. While the offense can take the credit too, this defense is becoming way too talented. If the Panthers are looking for another veteran talent, they could look into adding Fitzpatrick to elevate the secondary alongside Moehrig, Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson.
Chicago Bears
Unfortunately for the Bears, they’re likely to be in dire need of a safety this offseason. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are set to become unrestricted free agents, and they could probably only re-sign one. Brisker is likely the one to leave due to injury history and high-contract demand. However, Chicago needs to replenish the safety unit either way with a veteran presence if the team wants to appear in the NFC Championship Game in 2027. Fitzpatrick isn’t going to completely overhaul this unit at nightfall, but it gives the Bears flexibility to painfully move on from a few talented players in the offseason.