MIAMI – Minkah Fitzpatrick wanted out of Miami after 18 games. He thought the grass would be greener on the other side. He was allegedly tired of the losing culture in South Florida and did not want to play for head coach Brian Flores.

He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and got a new lease on life. He was making Pro Bowls, getting interceptions, and the Steelers were advancing to the postseason.

Boy, have times changed.

The Dolphins have made it to the playoffs with new coach Mike McDaniel two of his three years at the helm. They are loaded with superstars and have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.

Fitzpatrick has fizzled in recent years with the Steelers and does not really fit in their plans any longer. He has suffered various injuries in the past and his replacements have performed better.

Fitzpatrick had been selected to five Pro Bowls. Last season he was omitted, although he had 96 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. He seems to be falling out of favor in Pittsburgh and to some has become expendable.

Perhaps the Dolphins would like to contact the Steelers and bring Fitzpatrick home. Miami has a hole in the defensive secondary and could use their former first-round pick to play centerfield.

Pittsburgh could get rid of a salary they do not necessarily need and Miami could re-acquire a player it never should have gotten rid of. The question is at what cost could they bring Fitzpatrick back to the Magic City?

Perhaps Omar Khan wants to trade in Fitzpatrick and give him back to Miami at a reasonable cost. The Dolphins could use him in the secondary. If Miami drafts Malaki Starks from Georgia, as mocked, they would have two lethal safeties to pair with Jalen Ramsey and a cornerback to be named later.

The rumors are out there. Is a deal out there as well?