Redskins: Would a trade for Dolphins DB Minkah Fitzpatrick work?

So, the Dolphins are tanking. Hard. And players want out. And there’s one player who matches the Redskins needs and affinities fairly nicely.

After the Dolphins got shellacked by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 of the 2019 regular season by a score of 59-10, it was reported that several Dolphins players had requested a trade from the organization. The Dolphins very clearly entered the season with aspirations to tank, but the reality of such an embarrassing loss carried extra weight, and brought potential opportunity for the Washington Redskins.

One of the players who reportedly requested a trade from Miami was former first-round selection Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, who was drafted with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, logged two interceptions and nine pass deflections in his rookie season, playing at slot cornerback and safety. His new coaching staff doesn’t know how to use him, however, and Fitzpatrick’s fluctuating role, along with the team’s losing ways, has him wanting out.

Fitzpatrick is a young player, still just 22 years old, and he’d give the Redskins versatility and high-quality play in a secondary that still needs some shoring up, both with communication and consistency. He’s also from Alabama, so the need is there, and the want is probably there in some capacity. Even if young Redskins defensive backs have upside, there’s no downside to adding a top talent with a cheap contract and more growth ahead. Fitzpatrick could start in the slot, with Fabian Moreau moving to the outside and Jimmy Moreland backing him up.

From a viability perspective, it makes sense for the Redskins to consider trading for Fitzpatrick. But would a trade work for Washington? The Dolphins, per Miami sports reporter Joe Schad, are not enthusiastic about the prospect of trading Fitzpatrick, but if they’re blown away by an offer, then they won’t be able to refuse.

Already, things don’t look good for the Redskins there. Early reports suggested that Miami is looking for a first-round pick, but could settle for a second-round pick if their leverage is exhausted. The Redskins don’t have a second-round pick, due to their trade up for Montez Sweat in the 2019 NFL Draft, so they’d have to trade what would likely be a high first-round pick to acquire Fitzpatrick. As tantalizing as his potential might be, there are greater needs that Washington could address in the first round next year. It’s a choice that would come with great risk. Fitzpatrick would help Washington’s secondary, but would that help be enough, given the cost?

For those wondering, Trent Williams likely wouldn’t carry any value in these trade conversations. Miami is a team tanking and acquiring assets to rebuild. It wouldn’t make any sense for them to instead substitute those assets for a 31-year old offensive tackle. Miami is getting younger. They’re starting over. And the trade offer from the Redskins would need to mirror that desire. That might mean paying a price too steep.