If the Buffalo Bills were to make a trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, it would make an already top defense even better.
The news on Thursday night that the Miami Dolphins had given Minkah Fitzpatrick permission to seek a trade was certainly shocking. While a trade within the division is unlikely, the Buffalo Bills need to do their due diligence because adding Fitzpatrick to this defense would make it the best defense in the league.
This is certainly a tall claim but what Fitzpatrick would bring to this defense addresses what is possibly their only weakness. The Dolphins defensive back is a jack of all trades and can play a number of positions in this defense. While he can play safety, if the Bills were to add Fitzpatrick they could use him as a nickel corner or he has the size to even play a nickel linebacker role.
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
This type of versatility is something that Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane covet when looking at players to add to this team.
The other benefit is that Fitzpatrick, who was a first round pick last year, still has two more years under contract after this season. The Bills also would have the ability to use the fifth year option to keep him in Buffalo an additional year.
The caliber of player, plus the contract situation, means that the Dolphins asking price will likely be high, as Chris Mortensen notes in his tweet. In addition, trades within the division are rare and even though the Bills did trade Russell Bodine to the New England Patriots, this is a different caliber of player.
The addition of Fitzpatrick could also be viewed as a bit of a luxury. While he would be a nice boost to this defense, they already are pretty good and have one of the best secondaries in the league.
However, depending on the severity of the injury Taron Johnson suffered against the Jets and if there are concerns about Siran Neal ability step in as nickel, this presents a perfect opportunity to make a trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick.