Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Miami Dolphins' first-round pick a year ago, has not been happy with his playing time or the positions he is playing in new coach Brian Flores' defense.
And now, Fitzpatrick wants out of Miami.
Fitzpatrick, Miami's No. 11 pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and his agent Joel Segal are actively seeking a trade to another team following the first game of his second season.
While the Dolphins are not actively shopping Fitzpatrick, it would take a significant return to trade him away to a willing trade partner, a league source told the South Florida Sun Sentinel late Thursday night.
ESPN reported late Thursday night that Fitzpatrick and his agent were granted permission by the Dolphins to request a trade, but Miami's asking price for Fitzpatrick is too high.
Fitzpatrick and Flores had a one-on-one conversation on Monday, shortly after Fitzpatrick voiced his frustration with playing time and his position in Sunday's 59-10 season-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Fitzpatrick did not speak to media after the game.
The Dolphins, led by Flores and general manager Chris Grier, may be seeking a compensation package with at least with one first- or second-round pick in return for Fitzpatrick.
The Dolphins recently purged their roster before the season, sending former standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil, also a first-round Dolphins pick, and wide receiver Kenny Stills to the Houston Texans earlier this month in a trade that hauled Miami a 2020 first round pick, a 2021 first round pick, and a 2021 second round pick.
"Sometimes, we weren't put in the best position. But even still, it's up to the player to make the play," Fitzpatrick said on Monday.
"The coaches can call whatever they want. I know on my play, I wasn't in the best position, but I gotta make a play and cover my guy. That's usually what I do. I just got to do my job. That's all it boils down to.
"Whether it's with the front, the secondary, the linebackers, everybody has to do their job. There's a lot of people not doing it, or trying to do it differently than what we're coached to. And that's what I think."
Fitzpatrick was referring to one of two touchdowns scored by Ravens rookie receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown where he was out of position, allowing Brown to blaze past him and score an 83-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson in the opener.
Fitzpatrick played in 49 of 77 defensive snaps against the Ravens, about 64% of Miami's plays.
Fitzpatrick played cornerback, nickel defensive back and safety last season, and was considered one of the NFL's best, young nickel defensive backs as a rookie.
His trade request comes roughly a month after Fitzpatrick's mother, Melissa, clamored on social media that her son should be playing free safety instead of the rover, hybrid defensive back role in Flores' defense that calls for him to cover tight ends and slot receivers.
The Dolphins will host the New England Patriots on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
