A Pro Bowl safety could fill a major defensive void.
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a rough 2025 season, and there is a growing sense inside the building that big moves need to happen on defense this offseason.
After finishing 6-11 and ranking 30th in the league in points allowed at 28.9 per game, the front office knows that Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase can only do so much if the other side of the ball keeps letting them down.
That is where Minkah Fitzpatrick comes in.
The five-time Pro Bowl safety is reportedly available via trade from the Miami Dolphins, and on a recent episode of "The Growler," The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. said the idea of Fitzpatrick landing in Cincinnati has some real traction around the league.
"The Bengals staff has always kind of loved Minkah, in the fact they hated to go against him," Dehner said. "The idea of putting Minkah in there next to Jordan Battle, I think, has some legs."
Fitzpatrick Still Has Plenty Left
Fitzpatrick played 14 games for Miami in 2025 and put up 82 tackles, one interception, six passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
He also earned an 81.8 overall grade from PFF, which ranked seventh among all qualified safeties.
At 29 years old, Fitzpatrick is not the same player who earned three All-Pro selections during his time with the Steelers, but he is still a smart and reliable playmaker who can impact the game in a lot of different ways.
His ability to play deep coverage, defend the slot, and even rush the passer would give Cincinnati a level of versatility it has not had at the safety position since Jessie Bates left in free agency.
Battle's Breakout Sets the Stage
Jordan Battle had a breakout year in 2025, finishing with 122 tackles and four interceptions while playing every single defensive snap in multiple games throughout the season.
The third-year safety out of Alabama proved he can be a full-time starter, and pairing him with a veteran like Fitzpatrick would give the Bengals a safety duo that brings both youth and experience.
Should the Bengals Make the Move?
The price tag is worth watching.
Fitzpatrick carries a $15.6 million base salary for 2026, and the Bengals could lower that number by reworking his deal after a trade.
The Dolphins are unlikely to get a huge return for the veteran, meaning Cincinnati could potentially land him for a late-round pick.
That is a small cost for a player who fills one of the team's biggest holes on defense.
Cincinnati has not made the playoffs in three straight years, and the front office knows the window with Burrow and Chase is not going to stay open forever.
Adding Fitzpatrick alongside Battle would be one of the smartest and most realistic moves the Bengals could make this offseason to get their defense closer to where it needs to be.
If the price is right, Duke Tobin should not hesitate.