The Miami Dolphins safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, expressed his desire to stay with the team long-term, after agreeing to a review of his contract recently. In his first statements to local media since his return, Fitzpatrick clarified that his prolonged silence was not “an expression of frustration” regarding his return to the Dolphins, who selected him in 2018. Although he avoided questions about his transfer and his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he thanked the organization for his six seasons with the team.
Recently, Fitzpatrick hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, who negotiated a contract revision with the Dolphins. This agreement reassigned $2 million from the 2026 salary to this year, creating a signing bonus of $16.245 million. This provided Fitzpatrick with a salary increase and saved Miami approximately $11 million in salary cap space for this season. This move demonstrated the Dolphins’ intention to negotiate an extension in the future. Fitzpatrick stated that he “definitely” wants to be in Miami long-term, after being impressed during his brief time with the team this year.The city of Pittsburgh treated me very well. I enjoyed my time there, my teammates. It was very unfortunate how things ended, it’s part of the business and I’m very excited to be a Miami Dolphin… I’ve been here in the building for about a week and I’m very excited for this season. I think we have very, very high potential.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Dolphins selected Fitzpatrick in 2018 with the 11th overall pick, but traded him to the Steelers a year later due to a dispute with then-coach Brian Flores over his position and role on the team. During his time in Pittsburgh, he was selected for five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. He joins a Dolphins secondary that replaces four of its five starters from last season and has made an initial impression. He made the team’s first interception in training camp during Saturday’s practice, an impressive catch over quarterback Zach Wilson that left his teammates in awe. Cornerback Jack Jones commented on Fitzpatrick’s play:I really like the energy and direction this is taking. The culture of this locker room is one that wants to win now. I know it was reported that he wanted a new contract, but he just wanted to know that he was going to be here for more than one season.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Miami will seek for Fitzpatrick to lead a secondary that will replace four of its five starters from last season. His involvement in contract negotiations was seen as a positive by Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, who stated that “that’s how football teams win”. Fitzpatrick said the message he received from McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier was the same one sent to the rest of the Dolphins team, which is looking to return to the playoffs after failing to do so in 2024.My God! Did you see that catch? He’s a beast. He’s been a big name since he entered the league and he was when he was in Alabama. He’s a star, and he’ll prove it on the field.
Jack Jones
That is the message they sent to the team and it’s the same message they sent to me.I think there’s a standard that Mike and Grier are trying to establish: work hard, be disciplined, be committed to this team, shed the ego, you know? This is an ego-driven sport and I think the best teams are the ones that put the ego aside, take off the mask and the pride and play winning team football.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
