As the Nov. 4 trade deadline looms, the Dallas Cowboys are poised to make a splash, with fans buzzing about potential deals to bolster their roster. The team’s most glaring need lies on the defensive side, where Matt Eberflus’s unit has struggled to match the high-octane performance of first-year offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. Eberflus has pointed to his players as the root of the issue, making the acquisition of a defensive playmaker a logical step to test his theory. While fans have set their sights on Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, a different target could prove to be the smarter move: former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Miami Dolphins, stumbling out of the gate with a 1-6 record, appear to be headed toward a rebuild, potentially making key players available. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently noted that Fitzpatrick could be on the trading block, writing, “Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is also on my radar. So, while I’m not sure a complete house-cleaning is in order, it would surprise me if the Dolphins stood pat. This is a team with roster concerns, and those eight 2026 draft picks won’t address them all.” For the Cowboys, this presents a golden opportunity to address a critical weakness in their secondary.
Dallas’s pass defense has been a glaring liability, allowing 8.1 yards per attempt, the second-highest mark in the NFL entering Week 8. Fitzpatrick, with his versatility and proven track record, could be the solution. According to Pro Football Focus, Fitzpatrick’s 75.2 overall grade ranks ninth among 83 qualifying safeties this season, and his 71.8 coverage grade places him 10th. His ability to thrive in a zone-based scheme aligns perfectly with Eberflus’s defensive philosophy, which has leaned heavily on zone coverage outside of a gameplan-specific adjustment against the Washington Commanders.
In contrast, the Cowboys’ current safety play has been lackluster. Donovan Wilson, a pending free agent, has struggled mightily, posting a 47.8 overall grade (78th among qualifiers) and a 41.8 coverage grade (77th). Fitzpatrick, signed through the 2026 season via a two-year extension, offers not only immediate impact but also long-term stability at the position.
While Jaelan Phillips has been a popular target among fans, his acquisition carries more risk. The 26-year-old edge rusher boasts an impressive 25 career sacks, but his injury history raises concerns. Additionally, Phillips is in the final year of his contract, meaning Dallas would need to surrender significant draft capital and commit to a costly extension to keep him. Fitzpatrick, on the other hand, has already proven he can handle a trade, having been dealt to Miami in a one-for-one swap for Jalen Ramsey within the past year. His experience and contract make him a safer bet for a Cowboys team sitting at 3-3-1 and looking to solidify their contender status.
If the Dolphins are open to moving Fitzpatrick for a second- or third-day draft pick, the Cowboys should act swiftly. Acquiring a player of his caliber could transform their struggling secondary and provide the defensive boost needed to complement their high-powered offense. While fans may be fixated on Phillips, Dallas’s front office would be wise to shift the spotlight to Fitzpatrick—a true difference-maker who could help turn their season around.