Why the Packers should trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick
It’s not often one of the best young defensive backs in the NFL is potentially available. That could be the case with Miami Dolphins’ second-year player Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the Green Bay Packers should be interested.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is a star, and he could be available in a trade.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN has reported that the Dolphins have granted Fitzpatrick permission to seek a trade. If the Packers could make a deal, it would make their ascending defense even stronger.
The Packers already have a talented young secondary featuring cornerbacks Jaire Alexander, Kevin King and Josh Jackson, and safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage Jr. But adding Fitzpatrick to the mix would give defensive coordinator Mike Pettine even more talent to work with and more options defensively.
Fitzpatrick was the 11th-overall selection in last year’s draft, and he impressed in his rookie season. In 2018, Fitzpatrick started 11 games, making 80 tackles, nine pass defenses and two interceptions, including a pick-six.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fitzpatrick was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL from the slot in 2018.
The Packers’ secondary is already a strength, but that doesn’t mean they should pass up a potential opportunity to add more talent. Fitzpatrick would be a perfect fit to play in the slot in Pettine’s defense, and he’d immediately become one of the best players in the secondary.
Tramon Williams is 36 years old and becomes a free agent at the end of the season. Fitzpatrick would give the Packers a long-term starter in the slot, and he can also play at safety.
ESPN draft analyst Jim Nagy summed it up perfectly:
Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the cleanest prospects in past decade. If he’s available, this trade should get done today.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 13, 2019
✅off-field
✅size
✅strength
✅athleticism
✅high IQ
✅tough
✅competitive
✅durable
✅griitty
✅leadership
✅work ethic
✅versatile
✅productive
✅winner
Imagine a starting trio of Alexander, King and Fitzpatrick at cornerback, with Amos and Savage at safety. In reserve, the Packers would have Jackson, Williams, Tony Brown, Ka’Dar Hollman, and Raven Greene.
We could be looking at one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
The Packers have been active in free agency. It’s clear this is a team looking to win now. Fitzpatrick can help them do that, and at just 22 years old, he could also be a long-term starter in the secondary.
If Fitzpatrick is available, there will likely be interest from a lot of teams. So making a deal won’t be easy. But the Packers have the benefit of playing in the NFC, which would have to be favorable for the Dolphins.
If a trade is possible, the Packers should absolutely do it.