The New York Jets have swung a blockbuster trade before NFL free agency begins.
The New York Jets are expected to be very active during this free-agent period, and they have gotten off to quite a start.
Before the legal tampering period opened on Monday afternoon, the Jets swung a blockbuster trade, acquiring safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a deal with the Miami Dolphins, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Jets only had to surrender a seventh-round pick to the Dolphins in return and then proceeded to sign Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million extension.
This marks the second straight offseason in which Fitzpatrick has been dealt. Last spring, the Pittsburgh Steelers sent him to Miami — where Fitzpatrick actually began his career back in 2018 — in exchange for Jalen Ramsey.
Fitzpatrick played in 14 games this past season, registering 82 tackles, a sack, an interception and seven passes defended. He also managed an impressive 81.8 overall grade at Pro Football Focus.
The 29-year-old was originally selected by the Dolphins with the 11th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and was traded to the Steelers early in his sophomore campaign.
Fitzpatrick then went on to establish himself as one of the league's best defensive backs and has made five Pro Bowl appearances while also earning three First-Team All-Pro selections.
His best season came back in 2022, when he racked up 96 tackles, six picks (including a pick-six) and 11 passes defended.
The Jets were in desperate need of help at safety with Andre Cisco hitting free agency, and they have certainly found their answer.
Fitzpatrick may not be the same player he was several years ago, but he still comprises a massive upgrade in New York's secondary.
The fact that Miami dealt Fitzpatrick to an AFC East rival — and for such a cheap price, no less — is certainly surprising, but clearly, the Dolphins did not want to deal with the long-term financial ramifications.
The Jets entered the offseason with nearly $90 million in cap room, but that money has now been sapped just a bit due to the Breece Hall franchise tag and the Fitzpatrick trade.
However, Gang Green still has plenty of cash left to make some impact signings on the open market.
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