Steelers give Fitzpatrick record 4-year extension worth over $18M per season
The Pittsburgh Steelers and star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick reached an agreement on a record four-year extension worth over $18.4 million per year, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Pittsburgh announced the pact as a five-year contract, factoring in the final year of Fitzpatrick's rookie deal in 2022, according to The Athletic.
"We are very excited to sign Minkah to a new five-year contract," new Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. "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."
The record deal, which includes $36 million guaranteed at signing, makes Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety in NFL history, topping Jamal Adams of the Seattle Seahawks, according to Spotrac.
| Rank | Safety | Team | Annual salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Steelers | $18.4M |
| 2 | Jamal Adams | Seahawks | $17.65M |
| 3 | Harrison Smith | Vikings | $16M |
| 4 | Justin Simmons | Broncos | $15.25 |
| 5 | Budda Baker | Cardinals | $14.75 |
Fitzpatrick has become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defense since joining the team via trade from the Miami Dolphins during the 2019 season. The 25-year-old, who has two first-team All-Pro nods under his belt, racked up 203 tackles, 27 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions in 46 regular-season games with the Steelers.
"I am very excited," Fitzpatrick said Wednesday. "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.
"I love the history here. What it stands for. The standard we are held to. The standard coach (Mike) Tomlin holds us to, on the field and off the field. The standard of winning playoff games, division titles, and championship games."
The Alabama product entered the NFL as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft.