Patriots Just Waiting for Dolphins Playmaker's Exit to Be Official

Although the season ended in disappointment for the New England Patriots, there are certainly some positives to take away from their performance. Most notably, finishing atop the AFC East for the first time since the 2019 season. 

While they have temporary bragging rights over their divisional rivals, it’ll be difficult for the Patriots to repeat as division champions. What would make life easier for them is if the Miami Dolphins move on from star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

The Dolphins have already made several moves under their new regime, releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill and linebacker Bradley Chubb on Monday, and Fitzpatrick could be next, with Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reporting that the Dolphins “have had trade talks” regarding him. 

Parting ways with Fitzpatrick is a move Patriots fans would certainly welcome. 

Dolphins Moving On from Fitzpatrick Would Make Life Easier for Patriots

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Fitzpatrick has consistently been one of the league's best safeties. Over his eight-year career, the three-time First-Team All-Pro has accumulated 690 total tackles, 21 interceptions, 60 pass deflections, and six forced fumbles across 120 games. 

Despite the team’s inconsistencies, Fitzpatrick was one of the few bright spots for the Dolphins, posting 82 total tackles, one interception, and one sack. While he’ll turn 30 at the midpoint of next season, Fitzpatrick has proven he’s still a premier player at his position with productive years ahead. 

Luckily for both him and the Patriots, it’s unlikely that’ll happen with the Dolphins. Miami is clearly committing to rebuilding the team, and first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley will likely continue to reshape their roster. 

Unlike Hill or Chubb, Fitzpatrick allows them to receive quality draft compensation in return, with numerous teams desperately needing help in the secondary. But, with Fitzpatrick in the final year of his four-year, $73.6 million extension, it is unclear just what teams would be willing to give up to acquire him.

Regardless of what draft capital Miami receives in any trade involving Fitzpatrick, Patriots fans couldn’t be happier with the current direction of the Dolphins. Before this season, Miami had the Patriots’ number since quarterback Tom Brady left New England.

However, last year, the Patriots picked up their first win in Miami since the 2019 season and swept the Dolphins in the season series for the first time since 2017. With New England facing a more challenging schedule in 2026, Miami moving on from Fitzpatrick, and a slew of others, gives them one less team to worry about. 

Hopefully, the Dolphins do the Patriots and the rest of the AFC a favor and send Fitzpatrick out of the conference. 

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