How can the Miami Dolphins justify the trade of defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick? It’s easy — the same way they were in the right when trading away left tackle Laremy Tunsil: economics.
The Dolphins aren’t especially interested in trading Fitzpatrick, but if the defender’s heart isn’t in Miami and the Dolphins are able to optimize their return on investment, then by all means — let’s make a deal. Remember, the Dolphins drafted Laremy Tunsil with the 13th overall selection in the NFL Draft. Three years later, they got two 1st-round picks and a 2nd-round pick back in return.
The Dolphins drafted Minkah Fitzpatrick with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. And so you can believe that Miami will move Fitzpatrick if they get their asking price in a trade: a “firm 1” and then some, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
A firm would serve as nearly a 1:1 return on investment — and then some would mean Miami gets back more for Fitzpatrick than the team initially invested in him in the first place.
You can’t go broke making a profit. So if Miami is able to add a 1st-round pick of near equal value to the one they spent on Fitzpatrick and then get something else on top of it, sure. Why not trade a player that doesn’t want to be here? The unfortunate reality for Miami is they’ve committed themselves to a long, challenging process in order to contend for championships. If Fitzpatrick doesn’t want to be a part of that process, the Dolphins can only do so much to help his attitude. Or, alternatively, they can bid him farewell and find someone with a better attitude.
Chris Mortensen is reporting as many as five teams are currently engaged in talks — which means the demand will give Miami leverage to ensure they get a satisfactory return.
In a perfect world, Fitzpatrick stays engaged with the Dolphins and wants to be here. But if he doesn’t, so be it. He’ll command enough interest that the economics can make sense for Miami to move him.
