Minkah Fitzpatrick Secures $16.245 Million Signing Bonus in Contract Restructure

Minkah Fitzpatrick's financial landscape shifted dramatically on Sunday as he and the Miami Dolphins finalized a restructured contract, which includes a substantial signing bonus of $16.245 million. This move marks a significant step in Fitzpatrick's career as he returns to the team that originally drafted him.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the details of the deal, which had been initially reported by various sources. The Dolphins recently acquired Fitzpatrick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade that involved sending All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh.

Fitzpatrick, who has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the league during his tenure with the Steelers, is back with the Dolphins after requesting a trade in 2019. The contract restructure does not extend the length of his current deal, which runs through 2026, but it does pave the way for potential multiyear extension discussions, according to Rosenhaus.

Prior to this restructuring, Fitzpatrick's contract lacked guaranteed money. The Dolphins managed to create $11 million in cap space by converting part of his salary into a signing bonus. Notably, $2 million of his 2026 salary has been advanced to this season, adjusting his financial obligations to $17.5 million in 2025 and $15.6 million in 2026.

In 2022, Fitzpatrick signed a four-year extension with the Steelers that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at that time, securing $36 million in guarantees. This latest deal with the Dolphins reflects both his value and the team's commitment to bolstering their defense.