The New York Jets have been connected to a rare trade with an AFC East foe.
The New York Jets definitely need to revamp their defense this offseason, and they have plenty of ammunition to do it.
Not only do the Jets own $88.7 million in cap space, but they also own four picks over first two rounds of the NFL Draft this April.
New York won't be able to solve all of its problems in one fell swoop, but it should at least be able to do enough to make its bare roster look considerably better heading into Week 1 next season.
The Jets have already been linked to a handful of players in free agency, and now, ESPN's Rich Cimini has connected New York to a very interesting trade target: Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
"One name to watch is Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who reportedly is available for trade," Cimini wrote. "New Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker was the Dolphins' passing-game coordinator, so he's familiar with Fitzpatrick."
Fitzpatrick is currently in his second stint with Miami. He was originally drafted by the Dolphins back in 2018, but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers early on in his sophomore campaign.
Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.The 29-year-old established himself as an All-Pro safety with the Steelers, but has certainly shown signs of decline the last couple of years and was traded back to South Beach last spring.
Fitzpatrick played 14 games in Miami this past season, registering 82 tackles, a sack, an interception and six passes defended. It marked the first time he missed the Pro Bowl since 2021, but he still managed to post an 81.8 overall grade at Pro Football Focus.
The Jets probably wouldn't have to give up a ton for Fitzpatrick, who has just one year left on his contract and carries an $18.8 million cap hit for 2026.
New York definitely needs help in its secondary after trading star cornerback Sauce Garden back at the trade deadline. Plus, safety Andre Cisco is a free agent.
It's worth noting that Fitzpatrick is a New Jersey native, so he might welcome the idea of playing for Gang Green ... although he would probably prefer to play for a contender at this stage of his career.
And would the Dolphins really send Fitzpatrick to their AFC East rivals?
It will be interesting to see if there is some sort of connection here.
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