Source: Jets trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, a three-time All-Pro safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets on Sept. 29, 2025. Credit: Getty Images/Megan Briggs
The Jets made a big move before the start of free agency and filled a major need in the secondary.
They acquired three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a seventh-round pick from the Chargers, a league source said. The Jets also will sign Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million extension, the source said.
Fitzpatrick had one year remaining on his contract for $15.6 million not guaranteed. The trade cannot be processed until the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
It’s the second deal the Jets have made this offseason as they continue to rebuild a defense that was disappointing last season. The Jets sent edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.
The Jets were expected to be aggressive in the safety market this offseason and on defense overall with head coach Aaron Glenn now calling the plays. Free agency officially kicks off at noon Monday, but the Jets got a head start in improving the defense.
Fitzpatrick, 29, will be a leader in the back end of Glenn’s defense and in the safety room for second-year player Malachi Moore. Andre Cisco and Tony Allen are free agents and not expected back. Fitzpatrick made five Pro Bowls in his eight NFL seasons playing for the Dolphins and Steelers.
The Jets are looking for ballhawks in the defensive backfield after being the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception. Fitzpatrick led the NFL with six interceptions in 2022 while with the Steelers.
Fitzpatrick had 19 picks and five fumble recoveries in his first five seasons. He’s had just two interceptions over the last three seasons, though. In 14 games for the Dolphins last season, Fitzpatrick had 82 tackles, an interception and two fumble recoveries. His three takeaways were one fewer than the Jets had overall.
Originally a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2018, Fitzpatrick was traded to the Steelers the following year. Pittsburgh traded him back to Miami in 2025, where he worked with new Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker, the former Dolphins defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach.
Fitzpatrick has recorded 690 tackles, 60 passes defended and 28 takeaways in 120 career games.
3 Things to Know About Minkah Fitzpatrick
1. Decorated safety
Fitzpatrick has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he was drafted in the first round by Miami in 2018. He was voted an All-Pro three times, made five Pro Bowls and has recorded at least four interceptions in four of his eight seasons. Fitzpatrick only had one last season, which is one more than the Jets had.
2. Veteran leader
Fitzpatrick has been a defensive anchor and leader in the secondary in his time with the Dolphins and Steelers. He was a key player on four Steelers teams that made the playoffs from 2020-2024.
3. He’s coming home
Fitzpatrick is from Old Bridge, New Jersey, and attended St. Peter’s Prep High School in Jersey City. Fitzpatrick was a two-time All-American for Alabama and helped the Crimson Tide to two national championships.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
