The Miami Dolphins are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to building around defense. Veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will receive a $16.245 million signing bonus as part of a newly revised contract, the team confirmed Sunday. The deal marks a sharp pivot for Miami, which had previously offered Fitzpatrick zero guaranteed money for the 2025 season.The restructuring isn’t just about short-term cash; it’s a signal of long-term intentions. Agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents Fitzpatrick, confirmed that both sides are now working toward a multi-year extension.Fans expressed mixed reactions on social media.One fan wrote: "They're going to go broke."Patti with an 👁️ @pattiella58LINKThey’re going to go brokeAnother user wrote: "He doesn't want to be there."A fan added: "dude is a baller on and off the field."More fans reacted to the news.One fan wrote: "Not a bad little signing bonus."Another fan wrote: "This fall off must be studied."A fan added: "theyre locking him down before he bounces thats all."Originally drafted by the Dolphins in 2018, the former first-round pick was traded to Pittsburgh just weeks into his second year. A move Miami quietly reversed this June by re-acquiring him in a deal that sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers.Drew Rosenhaus working on multiple Dolphins contracts after Minkah Fitzpatrick, as the team addresses cap issuesNFL: NFC Championship-Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: ImagnThe latest move reinforces Minkah Fitzpatrick’s status not just as a returning piece, but as a core leader in a secondary that’s being retooled under coach Mike McDaniel. With the restructured contract, Fitzpatrick is now guaranteed to earn $17.5 million this season, per sources.The restructure also creates about $11 million in cap space, a much-needed amount of space for a franchise trying to realign after an offseason filled with turbulence.The technical aspects of Fitzpatrick’s revised contract are telling. Miami moved salary from 2026 into 2025, and converted this year’s base pay into a bonus, effectively front-loading the guarantee while keeping flexibility. The safety remains on the books for $15.6 million next year, when the team could either extend or restructure again.Meanwhile, Rosenhaus is also handling negotiations for defensive tackle Zach Sieler, last year’s team MVP. The agent attended practice over the weekend and witnessed Fitzpatrick pull off the defense’s first takeaway of training camp.There’s no question Fitzpatrick brings an elite pedigree (516 tackles, 18 interceptions, three All-Pro selections, and five Pro Bowl nods across his career). After an offseason filled with distractions and internal drama, the Dolphins are staking their defensive rebuild on a leader they once let go.