It’s not often that good young players become available in the NFL.
For one, rookie contracts last four years, which means the player cannot become a free agent until then and second, very few teams are willing to trade a good young player, especially a recent 1st round pick.
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According to reports, that’s exactly what the Miami Dolphins are willing to do with second-year safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported on Thursday that the Dolphins have granted permission for Fitzpatrick and his agent to seek a trade.
The Dolphins have granted permission to DB Minkah Fitzpatrick to seek a trade, according to multiple sources who say Miami's asking price is too high. Dolphins have no comment. Story coming with help from @CameronWolfe
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 13, 2019
So, the question is, should the Detroit Lions make the Dolphins an offer they cannot refuse?
First of all, let’s get something straight. There is no question about it that Fitzpatrick, who was the No. 11 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, would instantly improve the Lions secondary and defense as a whole.
That being said, word on the street is the Dolphins are looking for a 1st round draft pick in return for the former Alabama star and that is a price Lions GM Bob Quinn would have to think about long and hard.
In my opinion, Quinn should ABSOLUTELY call up the Dolphins and offer the Lions 2020 1st round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Hell, throw in a late-round pick to spice up the deal if that’s what it takes, but get it done!
As I stated earlier, rookie contracts are four years in length, meaning Fitzpatrick would be under team control through the 2021 season. In addition, I believe the Lions will be picking outside of the Top 15 in 2020, which makes the trade a no-brainer.
As far as a cap hit goes, according to Spotrac, Fitz would count as $3,738,130 in 2019, $4,485,756 in 2020, and $5,233,382 in 2021.
Adding a great young safety like Fitzpatrick to the mix could be exactly what the Lions need to make their defense one of the best in the NFL.
