Minkah Fitzpatrick’s return to the Miami Dolphins has sparked mixed reactions, with concerns about whether the veteran safety can meet the high expectations surrounding his trade. At 28 years old, Fitzpatrick remains a quality starter, but recent evaluations suggest his performance may be on the decline.
After being ranked as the NFL’s top safety in 2023, Fitzpatrick has fallen to ninth in ESPN’s 2025 rankings. His production has dipped significantly, with just one interception and seven pass breakups over the past two seasons.
This decline led an AFC executive to remark that while Fitzpatrick is still solid, he is “slowing down,” raising questions about how impactful he will be for Miami. The Dolphins acquired Fitzpatrick in a high-profile trade, sending Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers.
While Fitzpatrick’s Pro Bowl pedigree offers promise, many analysts argue the Dolphins paid a steep price for a player whose All-Pro days seem behind him. This sentiment was echoed in a Bleacher Report prediction naming Fitzpatrick as Miami’s potential “biggest bust” for 2025.
Miami Dolphins’ Minkah Fitzpatrick Receives a Honest Take From AFC Executive
Just recently, Fitzpatrick received a reality check from an AFC executive. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.
We penciled in Fitzpatrick as a Steelers safety until Pittsburgh and Miami’s splash trade on June 30 forced a quick edit. Now, he is back with the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2018.
This move is a welcome change for Fitzpatrick, whose ball production dipped the past two seasons. After recording 17 interceptions and 38 pass breakups from 2019-22, he managed one and seven, respectively, from 2023-24.
“He was the best in the NFL for years but is slowing down,” an AFC executive said.
Fitzpatrick has fallen from No. 1 to No. 4 to No. 9 in the rankings over the past three years.
Despite these concerns, Fitzpatrick has shown resilience throughout his career, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors. His leadership and experience could provide valuable stability to the Dolphins’ secondary. However, to justify the trade, he will need to perform at a level reminiscent of his early-career dominance.
Ultimately, Fitzpatrick’s success in Miami will depend on his ability to adapt and deliver in a high-pressure situation. If he can rebound and help elevate the Dolphins’ defense, the trade could be viewed as a calculated risk that paid off. As the season unfolds, Fitzpatrick has the opportunity to silence critics and prove he is still among the league’s elite safeties.
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