Pittsburgh Steelers’ Fitzpatrick becomes NFL’s all-time top-earning safety
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick has agreed a five-year contract extension, the NFL franchise confirmed on Wednesday.
Minkah Fitzpatrick has become the top-earning safety in NFL history after signing a five-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Announcing the contract on Wednesday, the Steelers did not disclose the financial details of the deal.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Fitzpatrick will be paid over $18.4 million annually, with $36 million in guaranteed money at signing.
2018 Draft pick established as one of NFL’s top safeties
A first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2018, Fitzpatrick was traded to the Steelers a year later, having expressed dissatisfaction with his role on the Dolphins’ defense.
Since then, he has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the NFL.
Fitzpatrick was named a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2020 and has 11 interceptions since the start of the 2019 campaign.
Only three safeties, Justin Simmons (14), Quandre Diggs (13) and Tyrann Mathieu (13) have registered more interceptions in that time.
He has also racked up 27 pass breakups, tied for seventh-most in the NFL, during that span.
Fitzpatrick: ”I just want to keep on chopping”
“We are very excited to sign Minkah to a new five-year contract,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said. “Minkah is one of the top safeties in the NFL and we are thrilled he will be in Pittsburgh through at least the next five years.
“When we traded for him, we knew he was going to be an integral part of our defense and we look forward to that continuing as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Fitzpatrick said: “I am very excited. I am still kind of in shock right now. It’s a blessing. I am really excited. It’s just the beginning. I am appreciative. I am thankful. Now I just want to keep on chopping.”