The Miami Dolphins They began a deep restructuring of their squad for the 2026 season of the NFLmaking two important decisions: release the quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and transfer to the defensive Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets.
As reported by NFL Network journalist Tom Pelissero, Miami plans to officially cut Tagovailoa on Wednesday, when the new league year begins. Meanwhile, the team also agreed to send Fitzpatrick to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Falcons interested in Tua Tagovailoa
After learning that he will be released, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as one of the main candidates to sign Tagovailoa.
The Atlanta team is looking for stability at the quarterback position due to the situation of Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that could keep him out at the start of the 2026 season.
The possible arrival of Tagovailoa would represent an immediate solution for the Falcons as Penix continues its recovery process.
Jets strengthen their defense with Minkah Fitzpatrick
On the other hand, the New York Jets agreed to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will also sign a three-year, $40 million contract extension, as confirmed by his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
The 29-year-old safety, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, arrives in New York with the mission of strengthening a defense that had many problems last season. The Jets finished 31st in points allowed per game (29.6) in 2025.
The seventh-round pick Miami will receive originally belonged to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fitzpatrick’s second stint in Miami
Fitzpatrick was chosen by the Dolphins with the 11th pick in the 2018 Draft and had a brief first stint with the franchise before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played six seasons and was named All-Pro twice.
Miami got him back last season in a trade with Pittsburgh, but now he’s changing teams again amid the franchise’s renewal.
New stage in Miami
The decisions are part of the beginning of a new era for the Dolphins, who this offseason hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach.
After finishing the 2025 season with a 7-10 record, Miami will have the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a key position to rebuild its roster.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets, who will pick second in the upcoming draft, hope Fitzpatrick’s arrival will help strengthen a defense that was one of the most vulnerable in the league.
