The Pittsburgh Steelers just made their first huge move under new general manager, Omar Khan. The team has extended All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, to a massive four-year extension!
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) tries on the new Guardian Cap during 2022 minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The deal is reportedly worth up to $73.6 million and averages $18.4 million per year. This deal makes Fitzpatrick the highest paid safety in NFL history. Fitzpatrick has been an absolute force in the secondary since coming to the Steelers in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. He has tallied 11 interceptions and 27 passes defended in his three seasons in the black and gold. He also led the team in tackles last season with 124. These stats prove Fitzpatrick has shown he is an elite asset in both pass and run defense.
This deal does not come as a surprise, especially to Fitzpatrick's fellow and former Steelers teammates. See some of their reactions here:
Let’s go @minkfitz_21
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) June 15, 2022
Deserve every bit too 💪🏾 https://t.co/uuza1dKcVJ
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) June 15, 2022
Earned!!! https://t.co/bSjMYeJqzR
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) June 15, 2022
DESERVED! Congrats bro 💪🏼💪🏼 @minkfitz_21 https://t.co/8EeukC4743
— Alex Highsmith (@highsmith34) June 15, 2022
Big time @minkfitz_21 !! Well deserved blessing. Keep balling. https://t.co/DsAO2od2Ak
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) June 15, 2022
Yesssssssiiiirrrrrrrrr!!!! https://t.co/M7Y3nF0A3p
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) June 15, 2022
The team, players, and fans are all excited to have Fitzpatrick for the foreseeable future. Paired with reigning Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt and perineal All-Pro and defensive captain, Cam Heyward, the defense will look to continue to dominate into next season. The pass defense finished ninth in total yards, but the rush defense finished dead last. Fitzpatrick saved it from being even worse with many tackles made that were potential game breakers for opposing teams.
Fitzpatrick has a solid resume in his first four years. He has two First Team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowls under his belt, and many felt he was snubbed last season. He saw a drop-off in interceptions in 2021, but mainly due to his needed presence in the run game, which was reflected in his record setting total tackle numbers.
Fitzpatrick will continue to terrorize opposing offenses for the next five years with the Steelers, and at just 25 years old, it’s safe to say his best football is likely still ahead of him.
Enjoy some of Fitzpatrick's best moments from last season here:
#SteelerNation
