The Pittsburgh Steelers made Minkah Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
Both parties agreed to a four-year, $73.6 million contract extension which locks him in with the franchise until 2026.
The deal also includes $36 million in guaranteed money while his annual average value is $18.4 million.
That breaks the $17.5 million AAV of Jamal Adams with the Seattle Seahawks.
Completing the list of the top five highest-paid safeties are Harrison Smith ($16 million), Justin Simmons ($15.3 million), and Budda Baker ($14.8 million.)
Giving Fitzpatrick a lucrative extension was a no-brainer because of what he has accomplished during his rookie deal, as shared by this fan.
Minkah Fitzpatrick was a necessary signing for #Steelers. Here are some of his accomplishments by the age of 25:
– 2-time First-Team All-Pro
– 2-time Pro Bowler
– 13 interceptions
– 36 pass defenses
– 3 defensive TDs
– 4 forced fumbles
– 5 fumble recoveries
– 239 solo tackles— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) June 15, 2022
Indeed, he has been one of the game’s best safeties at a young age and those 239 solo tackles are impressive.
He is living up to his role as the last line of defense and is doing great in it.
Last season, the former Alabama standout played 16 games, finishing with 84 solo tackles and seven interceptions.
However, Fitzpatrick’s success with the Steelers reminded this Miami Dolphins fans of what could have been.
The Dolphins gave the Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick & Kevin Dotson for Austin Jackson & Jason Strowbridge before letting Flores become Pittsburgh's LB coach. Thanks for doing business! Mr. Khan will certainly be contacting you for future transactions. 😎
— Chap (@Chappquest) June 15, 2022
Fitzpatrick was drafted by the Dolphins in 2018 and spent two seasons there.
Imagine how menacing Miami’s defense would be with him and Xavien Howard.
Fitzpatrick Earned Every Penny In His New Deal
After his initial struggles to prove himself, he became a star when he went to Pittsburgh.
The team’s tenacious defense made him feel at home when he had to live up to expectations.
It’s hard to fail if you’re surrounded by talents like Cameron Heyward, Alex Highsmith, and T.J. Watt.
But with the road not easy, Fitzpatrick deserves to be the highest-paid player in his position.
The Minkah Fitzpatrick deal is done.
He’s now the highest paid safety in NFL history.
And he DESERVES it. #Steelers
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) June 15, 2022
Still, he has more to prove now that he was given the bank.
The AFC North continues to be a tough division with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens.
In honor of Minkah Fitzpatrick's extension, here's Joe Burrow breaking his ankles for a TD. pic.twitter.com/UeAvENL3lt
— Andrew Russell (@PFF_AndrewR) June 15, 2022
As the battles for the 2022 season come nearer, this fan above congratulated Fitzpatrick in an antagonistic way.
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