The Miami Dolphins are likely to wrap up trade talks soon for disgruntled defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, six teams are in the mix, including the Washington Redskins.
The Dallas Cowboys, who previously linked to Fitzpatrick, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Seattle are the others trying to land the Alabama product, according to La Canfora.
Miami reportedly is asking for a first-round pick. Given the Redskins 0-2 start and potentially having a shot at a top-10 pick, it’s hard to believe Washington would use such a premium real estate on Fitzpatrick no matter his versatility. Yet, the Redskins could use an upgrade throughout its secondary.
Fitzpatrick is a free safety by day, but he can also line up inside at corner. That versatility has been lost across the Redskins’ secondary in recent years. The Redskins just signed strong safety Landon Collins to mega six-year deal. And Montae Nicholson has shown glimpses of being a fully capable free safety.
However, the cornerback position has been a different story through the first two weeks of the season.
Cornerback Quinton Dunbar missed nine games last year with a shin injury. And now he is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Slot corner Fabian Moreau hasn’t played a down this season as he deals with an ankle injury. He has been out since Aug. 18 in preseason. Additionally, Josh Norman has struggled in both of Redskins losses.
This could be Norman’s final year with the Redskins. And landing such a talent like Fitzpatrick could help the team reshuffle its secondary which could include Fitzpatrick at slot corner.
Washington is seemingly in rebuild mode, even if the team thinks otherwise. And the potential of this year’s first round pick being a top-10 pick should be considered too steep to mortgage. Yet, one thinks could the Redskins get a better investment than Fitzpatrick in next year’s draft?
The Redskins are loaded with former Alabama players on defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick would fit right into the Redskins defensive scheme. Washington loved him during the 2018 NFL Draft process, but do they love him that much to move at least a first-rounder for him?
With contenders such as the Cowboys, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Eagles reportedly in the mix, the price could turn even steeper.
