Should the Seahawks go after Dolphins DB Minkah Fitzpatrick?

The Seahawks secondary struggled in their home opener. Could disgruntled Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick help the team?

The Seahawks defense was pretty solid against the Bengals in week one. It was solid as long as you ignore the woeful performance of the secondary. The Hawks have already added a reinforcement, bringing Jamar Taylor back as a slot corner. But now there’s a very talented player is available. The Dolphins have given permission to defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to seek a trade. Does it make sense for Seattle to go after him?

The reason Fitzpatrick is unhappy in Miami is twofold. First, the organization has no clear concept of what they’re doing. The last time they won a playoff game, Fitzpatrick was barely four years old. The biggest reason he wants to escape the Dolphins is their insistence on using him all over the defensive backfield. That’s clearly not in his best interest, or the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick lined up at strong safety last week against the Ravens. That game wasn’t exactly the best showing ever by the Dolphins secondary. They got lit up for five touchdowns through the air. Fitzpatrick was not exactly great himself. Pro Football Focus gave him a score of 27.3 for the game. For reference Tedric Thompson was rated at 25.5, so you can see Fitzpatrick didn’t exactly have a great game.

Here’s the thing; he isn’t a strong safety. Fitzpatrick is one of the best slot corners in the league. Last year he held opposing quarterbacks to both the lowest completion percentage and passer rating among all slot corners. So of course, the Dolphins want him at strong safety.

As you well know, Pete Carroll loves Swiss Army knife players, guys like Bradley McDougald. But what he likes even more is winning. In the right position, Fitzpatrick could definitely help the Seahawks do that. Would he be better than Taylor? Considering he was better than any other slot corner last season, and that includes Taylor, yes, he should be. But reportedly the Dolphins want a first-round pick for Fitzpatrick. I’d say the ineptitude of the Texans front office has that bar set a little high.

I see a couple of major issues on this possible deal. The Seahawks apparently need a safety and not a slot corner. The Dolphins are hoping to recoup the first-round pick they wasted on Fitzpatrick by playing him out of position. Neither of those fit the Seahawks plans. Now, if he’s available for less, then this could be a nice pickup for the Hawks. As it stands now, he’ll make his escape to some other team, hopefully in the AFC.