The San Francisco 49ers’ secondary has been a glaring weak spot, a nightmare that’s haunted the team through critical games and seasons. Last year, their pass defense limped to 25th in the NFL, surrendered the 21st-most touchdown passes, and forced a dismal 29th in interceptions. Those stats aren’t just numbers—they’re the ghosts of blown coverages and missed opportunities that derailed playoff hopes. But as the 2026 offseason heats up, hope flickers from an unexpected corner: the Miami Dolphins’ roster purge. With stars like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb already cut loose, and whispers of Tua Tagovailoa following, the Dolphins are reportedly entertaining trade calls for one of the league’s elite safeties, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, no stranger to high-stakes decisions on the sideline, could finally plug this leaky unit with a proven playmaker.
The Dolphins’ Fire Sale Opens the Door
Miami’s overhaul under a new regime has turned heads across the league. Just this week, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Dolphins are fielding inquiries from multiple teams about trading Fitzpatrick, the 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler entering the final year of his contract. Fitzpatrick, who spent six stellar seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers—earning three All-Pro honors—before a surprising return to Miami last year, posted solid numbers in 2025: 82 tackles, one interception, one sack, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in 14 games.
But with the Dolphins resetting, Fitzpatrick’s availability has sparked interest league-wide. Sources indicate Miami’s willingness to move him as part of their broader roster dismantling, which already included releasing Hill and others. For the 49ers, this couldn’t come at a better time. Their secondary has lacked a consistent anchor since Talanoa Hufanga’s peak form faded, leaving them vulnerable in a stacked NFC West.
Fitzpatrick, seen here in Dolphins gear, brings the versatility and experience San Francisco desperately needs.
Why the 49ers Are a Perfect Fit
San Francisco’s defense, now under new coordinator Raheem Morris, craves a veteran who can adapt to multiple roles. Fitzpatrick excels at that: Last season, he lined up at free safety, in the slot, as a linebacker, and even on the edge. His football IQ and playmaking ability could stabilize a unit that’s been inconsistent and turnover-starved.
Morris, fresh off his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, would gain a battle-tested operator familiar with NFC schemes. Analysts suggest the 49ers should pounce, as Fitzpatrick could provide immediate impact without the growing pains of a rookie draft pick.
With Morris calling the shots, adding a difference-maker like Fitzpatrick could elevate the entire defense.
The Potential Cost: A Bargain for Impact
Fitzpatrick’s 2026 salary sits at $15.6 million on the last year of his four-year, $73.6 million deal. Given his age and Miami’s motivation to shed veterans, the price tag might be modest—a fourth-round pick, or perhaps a package including one of San Francisco’s younger safeties like Ji’Ayir Brown or Malik Mustapha, plus a late-rounder. It’s a calculated risk: Fitzpatrick may not reclaim his Pittsburgh prime, but even as a steadying force, he’d outperform the 49ers’ current options.
The alternative? Sticking with the same questions that plagued 2025 isn’t sustainable for a win-now team. As one outlet put it, the 49ers need to trade for this Pro Bowl safety to salve their secondary woes.
Final Word: Time to Pull the Trigger
The window is open. San Francisco’s secondary upgrade doesn’t require mortgaging the future—just smart opportunism in a buyer’s market. Fitzpatrick isn’t a forever fix, but as a bridge to develop younger talent, he could be the spark that tightens the NFC West race. The fit is ideal, the cost reasonable—now it’s on the 49ers to act before another contender swoops in. Hello, fix? This could be it
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