Why this potential Cowboys-Dolphins trade makes plenty of sense

The Dallas Cowboys' (3-3-1) 2025-26 season has gone much like everyone was expecting following the blockbuster trade of superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons one week before kickoff. 

A high-powered offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott and a loaded group of weapons is near the top of the league in many offensive categories. However, at the same time, a defensive unit lacking just about everything has been gashed by any team not named the New York Jets (0-7).

It’s been a very predictable first seven weeks for America’s team, yet through it all, the Cowboys remain in contention to make the playoffs, as they are a game-and-a-half back of both the NFC East lead and the final wild-card spot in the conference. 

There is no reason for Dallas’ offense to slow down, especially with CeeDee Lamb having just returned from his sprained ankle suffered in Week 3. On the other hand, there’s also no reason to believe their defense will all of a sudden start stopping opposing offenses on a consistent basis.

Because of that, many around the league feel the Cowboys should make a move or two to shore things up on the defensive side of the ball ahead of the trade deadline. Several options have been thrown out in recent weeks, and one recent proposal by Dan Wilkins of The Score would see the Cowboys strike a deal with the Miami Dolphins to land safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips. 

Cowboys receive: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, DE Jaelan Phillips, third-round pick

Dolphins receive: Second-round pick, fourth-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick

The 28-year-old Fitzpatrick is currently in year one of the revised two-year contract he signed with the Dolphins upon being traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the 26-year-old Phillips is playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal with Miami. 

Dallas Cowboys need all the help they can get on defense

Bigger names like Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons have been mentioned in the rumor mill, but given Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' fondness for first-round draft picks, acquiring any of these superstars seems unlikely. 

That makes a potential move like landing both Fitzpatrick and Phillips for a second and two mid-round picks much more up Jones’ wheelhouse.

Fitzpatrick may not be what he was a few years ago, but the five-time Pro Bowler would immediately become the Cowboys' top safety and be of tremendous help to a struggling back end that's now banged up, with cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Donovan Wilson out for Week 8. 

He still is a ballhawk in the secondary.