NFL teams are handing out mega contracts in 2022 for their players.
However, not every team is doing that with their players; we mean you San Francisco.
But one team is getting all the buzz for a contract they gave one of their defensive stars.
That player is Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The two-time Pro Bowl player got himself a four-year, $73.6 million contract extension.
The deal now makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL based on average salary.
So with this historic deal, what are the three reasons he deserved such a record-setting deal?
3. He’s Better Than The Former Highest Paid Safety, Jamal Adams
Before the deal in Pittsburgh was signed, there was another safety who was the highest-paid NFL safety.
That person was Jamal Adams from the Seattle Seahawks.
However, his numbers were way below that of Fitzpatrick’s for 2021 and had people calling Adams and his deal a failure.
Do I have to be the guy who says the trade for and subsequent record-setting contract for Jamal Adams is a complete failure? Also, please fire Ken Norton immediately.
— The Dog (@sparkcoins) October 8, 2021
But the deal in Pittsburgh with their safety will prove wise.
While Adams recorded only 56 solo tackles during 2021, the Pittsburgh star recorded 84.
He’s also more of a ball hawk than Adams, meaning quarterbacks aren’t safe throwing around the Steelers safety.
His 13 interceptions in his career places him well ahead of Adams.
So with Adams getting a huge contract deal last season, and Fitzpatrick performing better than him, that is one reason he deserves this record deal.
2. Fitzpatrick Has A Clean Bill Of Health, Making Him A Reliable Starter
Health is always a major concern with players in the NFL.
It can also be a factor into whether a team offers a player a good deal or tries to low-ball them.
With Fitzpatrick, he’s yet to suffer an injury since becoming an NFL player.
However, he suffered two injuries during his college career.
But he’s shown no signs of those injuries being something that could be an issue in his NFL career.
With him staying healthy, that means he can play every game Pittsburgh needs him in.
The Steelers will rely on him heavily for 2022 with their new starting quarterback for this season.
So that’s why his health makes the list of reasons he deserved that huge contract.
1. He Consistently Makes Plays To Help The Steelers Win Games
For game-saving plays on defense, Fitzpatrick is the guy to look to in Pittsburgh.
This is why Minkah got the BAG 💰 One of the best safeties in the league. A game changer, saver, and winner. LETS GOO BABY #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/Dyp32BMFLT
— di giovanni (@digiovanni_) June 15, 2022
Because of his ability to save games for Pittsburgh so many times, he was rewarded for his actions.
Whether it’s from intercepting passes to end the game, or breaking up receptions, he does it all.
He’s a constant threat to quarterbacks if the ball gets anywhere near him.
It’s also why most quarterbacks intentionally pass to players away from him.
However, the quarterbacks that risk the game by passing to receivers in his area end up paying dearly for their actions.
There isn’t any other safety that consistently puts fear in quarterbacks like Fitzpatrick.
Because of this, it is the best reason Pittsburgh had to give him the contract money he so rightfully deserved.
NEXT: NFL Fans React To Minkah Fitzpatrick's New Contract