One of the NFL best safety signs a MASSIVE extension
Adam Schefter reported that Steelers and All-Pro S Minkah Fitzpatrick reached an agreement on a massive four-year contract extension worth over $18.4 million per year, with $36M guaranteed at signing. The deal, negotiated and confirmed by @WME_Sports, makes Fitzpatrick the highest-paid S in NFL history.
Fitzpatrick was an All-Pro during his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. Last season, Fitzpatrick made a career-high 124 tackles while being used more as a run-stopper.
Fitzpatrick is not the only AFC North safety who was in line for a new contract. Jessie Bates III was franchise tagged by the Bengals after the two sides could not come to terms on a long-term deal earlier this offseason. Bates, who played a key role in Cincinnati's run to last year's Super Bowl, reportedly has no intention of playing under the tag this upcoming season.
Fitzpatrick has proved to be a defensive difference-maker since the moment he arrived in Pittsburgh. One of the most versatile back-end defenders across the league, the Steelers have correctly utilized Fitzpatrick since acquiring him from Miami. The instinctive and rangy Fitzpatrick has been allowed to roam the secondary while placing his ball skills on full display. Instincts over the middle are a highly coveted trait and Fitzpatrick possesses the recognition skills necessary to impact the game on a snap-by-snap basis.
This marks the first big move for new Steelers GM Omar Khan.
