Here’s hoping the NFL Combine can provide some clarity on the Dolphins’ most challenging offseason decision of 2026
One veteran decision is especially difficult for the Dolphins this offseason.
The Miami Dolphins have no shortage of decisions to make over the course of the next month.
The most complicated decision, that of QB Tua Tagovailoa, may actually be one of the easier ones to actually make considering new leadership doesn’t seem to envision him as the future. It’s the execution around the contract that will make some heads spin. But as far as veteran players like Bradley Chubb, Austin Jackson, and Minkah Fitzpatrick? Do the Dolphins keep them in tow and enjoy knowing exactly what they have in a few significant spots on the roster? Or does Miami simply push eject and save the cash as a means of balancing their salary cap books for the future? It will, most likely, be a mix of both for these players. One of them in particular feels exceptionally challenging to navigate.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is the Dolphins’ most challenging decision this offseason
Miami’s decision with Minkah Fitzpatrick is particularly difficult. New head coach Jeff Hafley is a defensive backs coach by trade and his defenses in Green Bay were fueled by a strong group of safeties, including a fellow former Crimson Tide defender, Xavier McKinney. The versatility that Fitzpatrick brings to a secondary would be a valuable pillar for Hafley’s defense. But his $15.6 million in base salary ranks sixth highest on the team and none of it is guaranteed.
After his 2025 performance, Fitzpatrick is also a player who could have viable trade value.
Miami is facing a decision: trade Fitzpatrick, save the salary, and lose a piece that they’ll likely be chasing to fill in his absence, or keep Fitzpatrick and (probably) entertain a possible contract extension. If they’re going to keep Fitzpatrick for 2026 and spurn a trade, it would probably be good business to ensure he’s not going to play through the final year of his deal and subsequently leave in 2027.
Notable veterans the Dolphins could move on from in 2026
- SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick
- OT Austin Jackson
- EDGE Bradley Chubb
- OG James Daniels
- K Jason Sanders
- FB Alec Ingold
- QB Tua Tagovailoa
Fitzpatrick’s play does warrant an extension, too. As he gets ready to turn 30 years old in November, he’s still got several years of high quality play left in his future (health willing, of course). Because Fitzpatrick populates snaps in the slot and on the second level, any worries about physical regression can be mitigated by not playing Fitzpatrick on the back end of the defense as frequently.
Keeping and, possibly, extending the veteran safety would almost assuredly usher out some other high-priced veterans, like Jackson and Chubb. Miami is in dire need of slashing cash off the payroll for their future outlook. I, for one, would be fine with this outcome. And to be frank, I’d probably prefer it.
It is undeniable, however, to not wrangle with the idea that Fitzpatrick is an aging veteran who will cost a lot of money and could fetch the Dolphins some respectable draft capital for his services if they choose to go the other direction. That is at the core of this rebuild. So it would also be justifiably good business to cash out while getting younger and cheaper at safety, too. Perhaps the market will make the determination for Miami. The 2026 NFL Combine will be an excellent opportunity to gauge what that market is. And in the process, hopefully make this especially conflicting decision for Miami a little easier.
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