Pittsburgh Steelers star safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick will most likely soon be the highest paid player in the NFL at his position. He's set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and all off-season has been talk of Pittsburgh looking to extend the former All-Pro to a new long-term deal. If and when have been the ever encompassing questions.
As the 2022 regular season approaches however, Steeler Nation seems a bit divided as far as what the team should do to bolster the the current roster (if at all), to put this team in the best position to win now. Should the team put every spare dollar they have in someone like Fitzpatrick? Or would additional help, especially along the defensive line be the better play?
On the latest Asked and Answered segment last week via Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, Labriola gave his thoughts on where he thinks the team will best use their "extra" cap space:
"I wouldn't describe the money the Steelers currently have on their salary cap as 'extra,' and the best use of it would be on an extension for a pending free agent, specifically Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers exercised the fifth-year option on the contract Fitzpatrick signed as a rookie with the Miami Dolphins, and he will earn $10.612 million in 2022 as a result. But if a contract extension is not forthcoming before the Sept. 11 regular season opener in Cincinnati against the Bengals, Fitzpatrick could become an unrestricted free agent in March 2023. I believe addressing that situation is where the Steelers will be looking to spend their money."
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTA's) on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
According to OverTheCap.com the Steelers have 20 million in available cap room. But they still need some of that to sign the draft picks that haven't signed yet. That includes first rounder Kenny Pickett.
As mentioned, Fitzpatrick, 25, spent his early time in the NFL with the Dolphins before being traded to Pittsburgh back in 2019. He's a 2x First Team All-Pro and 2x Pro Bowler. He led Pittsburgh in tackles in 2021 with 124, and he's been one of the premier young safeties since he's entered the league.
With Diontae Johnson recently reporting to Organized Team Activities (OTA's) last week, the fourth-year wide receiver has also been reportedly seeking a new deal. He has hands down been the team's WR1 since the beginning of last season, but with the recent additions of George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and the current wide receiver market in the NFL, one has to wonder if Pittsburgh would be willing to move on if the two sides can't come to terms on what Johnson would make per year.
Steelers Camp, August 2020, Diontae Johnson (#18) cataches a pass over Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39). | Steelers.com
What do yinz think? Should Pittsburgh strictly be focusing on Fitzpatrick? Johnson? Or a current free agent to help bolster this year's roster? Click to comment below!
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