Cowboys Named 'Obvious' Trade Candidate for $73 Million Safety

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 11:30 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs for a second straight season. Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team went 7-9-1 and finished in second place in the NFC East.

The Cowboys were complete opposites on each side of the ball. While Dak Prescott was leading a No. 7-ranked offense in points per game (27.7), the defense struggled tremendously. The unit finished the season ranked 30th in total yards allowed per game (377) and 32nd in points allowed per game (30.1).

Going into the offseason, owner and general manager Jerry Jones expected to invest heavily in the defense. With two first-round picks, Dallas is set up to make a big splash in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

However, exploring upgrades via a trade is also an option. In the past year, Jones has acquired big names such as wide receiver George Pickens and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams through trades.

CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo believes the Cowboys could once again make a big move, naming them as a potential landing spot for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

"Dallas is an obvious possible landing spot for Fitzpatrick, given how bad the Cowboys were on defense last year and Jerry Jones' compulsive behavior when it comes to making headlines... If they were to acquire Fitzpatrick, the Cowboys would simultaneously improve their run and pass defenses," DeArdo wrote.

In 14 games last season, he racked up 82 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, six pass deflections and one interception. He earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 81.8, which ranked seventh out of 98 safeties.

Fitzpatrick may soon be on the move after Jordan Schultz reported that the Dolphins are in trade talks for the five-time Pro Bowler. It opens the door for the Cowboys to acquire a seasoned veteran for the secondary.

He'll be 29 years old when the 2026 season begins, and doesn't require a long-term commitment. Fitzpatrick has just one season remaining on his four-year, $73 million contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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