The Dolphins are in full tank mode and on Thursday night an ESPN report indicated that 2018 first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick is the latest Dolphin to be placed on the trade block.
Fitzpatrick was picked four spots ahead of where the Raiders landed LT Kolton Miller in last year’s draft and it’s fair to wonder if the Raiders might be interested in trading for the versatile 22 year-old safety, who has a fifth-year option in his rookie deal and could be under contract through the 2022 season.
Fitzpatrick was considered one of most NFL-ready rookies in the 2018 draft and recorded 80 tackles, nine passes deflected, and two interceptions in his first year with the Dolphins. He should still have first-round trade value, but will the rest of the league see it that way?
The Raiders have two first-round picks (they own the Bears first pick from the Khalil Mack trade) in 2020, but it’s hard to know what those picks will be worth. The Bears had a late pick in last year’s draft, but with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback, they could still be a bottom-10 team this year. Unfortunately, the Raiders don’t have a second-round pick in 2020 because they somehow let their second-round pick sneak to Chicago with Mack.
Maybe the Dolphins would take two third-round picks for Fitzpatrick?
According to the trade chart, two middle third-round picks would have roughly the same value as a middle second-round pick. But more than likely the Dolphins are looking to get a first-round pick and they have no reason to rush a trade for Fitzpatrick. Would the Raiders think enough of Fitzpatrick to part with one of their first-round picks?
Whatever the case, there’s no question that Johnathan Abram and Fitzpatrick would make one of the lethal safety combinations in the league if the Raiders could pull it off. Karl Joseph will most likely hit free agency after the season, so the safety position should soon be a position general manager Mike Mayock will want to address.
Why not just do it now? Especially with Abram headed to injured reserve and the Raiders already looking for more depth this year at safety. Add Fitzpatrick now and don’t pay for him for until the 2020 draft – the same scenario the Bears got with Mack. If the Raiders sent the Bears pick to Miami, the Mack trade would essentially end with the Raiders getting running back Josh Jacobs and Fitzpatrick for the All-Pro defensive end (and also a whole lot of cap space).
Who says no?
twitter: @raidersbeat
They say he can play safety…. With Abram out for the year, it’s not a bad idea to look at him!
Do it! Do it!