At the right price, the Saints should trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick

If the price is right, the New Orleans Saints should pull the trigger and bring in another top-tier defensive back in Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The problem is that, for at least the Saints, the price won’t be right.

The Miami Dolphins are continuing to tank. However, they’re asking for a steep price for their most valuable assets. It may be in part because of how the Dolphins fleeced the Texans for multiple picks earlier in the month.

After pulling off a heist in Houston, acquiring two first-round picks and a second-round pick plus two other players in exchange for tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills and more, the Dolphins seemingly want a similar load for Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick, the No. 11 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was the first safety taken off the board. The highly-touted prospect from Alabama, Fitzpatrick has played multiple positions over the course of his time with the Dolphins.

Starting 11 games in 2018, Fitzpatrick recorded two interceptions and 80 combined tackles. He did manage to find the field in all 16 outings though. While he may not be a top-five defensive back in the NFL, he would be an elite threat alongside Marshon Lattimore.

Per ESPN, the Dolphins have “Ok’d” Fitzpatrick to seek a trade. As aforementioned, many teams are not picking the phone back up after finding out what the price for the second-year cornerback/safety combo is.

“A Dolphins official told ESPN they are not actively shopping Fitzpatrick, but did not deny that they have given permission to Segal to discuss a trade with teams,” ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reported.  Segal is Fitzpatrick’s agent.

ESPN continued to report that the Dolphins asking price is at least a first-round pick. However, teams “have been resistant.” For good reason to, Fitzpatrick is a solid talent, but the Dolphins don’t have much leverage as one of the worst teams in the league.

Fitzpatrick won’t be an unrestricted free agent till the 2023 season.

Should the Saints pull the plug? It’s difficult to say. The Saints opted to deal their 2019 first-round pick to move up 13 slots in the 2018 NFL Draft, securing Marcus Davenport. Obviously, the pick is expendable to such a talented and young roster.

The case against bringing in Fitzpatrick is a flawed one as well. After giving up four 20-plus-yard passing plays and two over 40 yards, the Saints cornerbacks not named Marshon Lattimore were targeted again and again in Week 1 at home against the Texans.

So, yes, at the right price, the Saints should bring in Fitzpatrick, but that right price may not be a first-round pick.