A potentially elite player is available, so that sound you hear is Eagles general manager Howie Roseman starting to work the phones.
The player? Miami defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who according to an ESPN report, is both on the trade block and allowed to look for a trade with another team. Although Fitzpatrick is with the team at practice on Friday, it is clear that he is available to any team willing to pay the Dolphins' asking price, which is reportedly a first-round pick.
While that is a steep asking price, there is no denying that Fitzpatrick is a young, talented player that could interest the Eagles.
To start, Fitzpatrick has the ability to play multiple positions. Although he is unhappy moving around in Miami, the Eagles could trade for Fitzpatrick and put him anywhere in the secondary. Considering the team has long-term needs at cornerback and safety, that is appealing. The Eagles don't have any sure things at cornerback, so they could bring in Fitzpatrick and start him right away over cornerbacks Rasul Douglas or Sidney Jones, placing him opposite Ronald Darby.
Fitzpatrick played 494 snaps in coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and allowed only one touchdown. So he would be an upgrade at cornerback right away for the Eagles, and at only 22-years old, could be a long-term fit as well. The Eagles could play him at cornerback this season, then depending on what happens this offseason with Malcolm Jenkins or Rodney McLeod, they could move him to safety next season.
Financially, Fitzpatrick is a steal. He is still on his rookie deal, which means he has cap hits under $2 million both this season and in 2020, with it going up to just $2.72 million in 2021. The Eagles would also have the option of using the fifth-year option as well for 2022 since Fitzpatrick was a first-round pick.
The compensation, however, could be an issue. It is tough to see the Eagles sending away a first-round pick for Fitzpatrick unless they really view him as a cornerstone-type player for the defense. A second-round pick might also be too rich for Roseman.
If the price drops to a third, however, it wouldn't be surprising if Roseman bounced, including one of his young cornerbacks — such as Sidney Jones or Rasul Douglas — in the deal.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
