The 2025 campaign ended a period of high expectations but fell short, as the Dolphins opened 1-6 and failed to mount a meaningful playoff push. In the wake of the troubling start, the organization dismissed general manager Chris Grier mid-season and later parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, despite finishing the year strong by winning six of their last nine games.
One notable move during Grier’s tenure involved trading Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, each cited for morale and extension-related concerns. The Dolphins sent Ramsey and Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a player later reported to be available in trade talks as the new front office seeks to maximize draft capital.
Minkah Fitzpatrick has publicly addressed the possibility of a trade, with his agent noting that Fitzpatrick has not requested a trade and that any potential deal would involve factors beyond the player’s explicit wishes. This stance comes as Miami gauges how best to position itself for the 2026 season, with Fitzpatrick regarded as a disruptive and leadership-driven contributor on defense.
Fitzpatrick’s 2025 season was solid, earning an 81.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—his highest since 2022—though he did not receive Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition. An injury in Week 15 cut short his impact with the Dolphins in that stretch run, leaving open questions about his role and fit in a potential trade scenario. If Fitzpatrick remains with Miami, he has one year left on his contract, giving the franchise flexibility as it evaluates future defensive alignment.
Overall, the Dolphins’ offseason plan centers on recalibrating a roster that underperformed in 2025, with key questions surrounding the futures of Hill, Chubb, and Fitzpatrick as the team aims to restock draft capital and accelerate its rebuilding process.
