The Pittsburgh Steelers have locked up T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward. All three star players will all have a base salary of over $14 million during the 2023 season. Diontae Johnson signed an extension that was a bit more modest, so it shouldn't be looked at as massive, but he will still bring in $8 million in base pay next year. It has been consistently talked about how the Steelers currently have the highest paid defense and lowest paid offense in the NFL. It's hard to say when that will change as the offense is extremely young, but let's take a look at which guys could be getting paid within the next couple of years.
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1.) Cameron Sutton, Cornerback
The Steelers have been horrible at drafting cornerbacks since 2010. Sutton is one of the only exceptions to that. The organization selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and he has been a consistent and productive player for the defense. While he is not looking at any kind of market-altering deal, the franchise has always loved to reward players who are drafted and go on to perform on the field.
Sutton, who agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team a year ago, is set to be a free agent after the 2022 season. Historically, Pittsburgh doesn't like to negotiate in-season, but it could be possible that changes under new general manager, Omar Khan. Either way, the cornerback position would look extremely rocky without Sutton in 2023 and whatever needs to be done to re-sign him, within reason, should commence.
2.) Alex Highsmith, Linebacker
Highsmith has really come on after being taken in the third round of the 2020 draft. The club has control over his contract through the 2023 season, but could be looking to lock him in long-term alongside Watt after the season ends. His play hasn't been staggering enough to warrant a massive extension, but this echoes the point made about Sutton. Players who are drafted and play well will cash in.
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As Highsmith continues to improve for the Steelers, he will be worth more as each Sunday passes in 2022. He had 74 total tackles and six sacks a season ago and those numbers should improve. He made a huge jump from his rookie season to year two and as he enters his third, he could be playing for a lot more than anyone realizes. The front office should secure his status as a Steeler and continue to build a pass-rushing nightmare for opponents.
3.) Pat Freiermuth, Tight End
The tight end is only entering his second season, but I don't see many other players on the current roster who may be in line for a big pay day. Freiermuth had a great rookie season catching 60 passes for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. The hope among Steelers fan is that he is the permanent solution for a position that has been lackluster since the retirement of legend, Heath Miller.
He will begin contract negotiations sooner than running back, Najee Harris who will likely have his fifth-year option picked up after the 2023 season. Only first round picks have the team option for a fifth season, so Freiermuth will be discussing his future with the Steelers sooner than the ball carrier.
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Honorable Mention: Chase Claypool, Wide Receiver
Claypool was not the same player in his second year as he was during his rookie season. With that being said, he has the opportunity to be a mismatch and dominant in the slot during the 2022 season. If he is able to perform at a high level, the organization could look to give him an extension next off-season. If they choose not to, one could expect that they are relying on the future stardom of George Pickens and Calvin Austin III.
Which Steelers players do you think are in line to collect a big pay check? Let us know in the comments below!
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