Steelers DB Minkah Fitzpatrick becomes highest paid safety in NFL history

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Steelers defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick has made history as he has signed a new contract extension that makes him the highest-paid safety in the history of the NFL.

The news was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter where Fitzpatrick received a four-year extension that gives him $18.4 million per season with $36 million guaranteed at the signing. The total compensation is said to be more than $73.6 million.

Steelers and All-Pro S Minkah Fitzpatrick reached agreement on a massive four-year contract extension worth over $18.4 million per year, with $36M gtd at signing, per source. The deal, negotiated and confirmed by @WME_Sports, makes Fitzpatrick the highest paid S in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/Rnb0jJWGoM

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2022

Fitzpatrick was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins 11th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was traded one season after his rookie season with the Steelers where he flourished in the new setting.

Since leaving arriving in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times and named First-Team All-Pro twice.

“We are very excited to sign Minah to a new five-year contract,” 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 continuing as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Fitzpatrick also shared his excitement in his own statement following the signing of his extension.

“I am very excited,” Fitzpatrick said. “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.

“I really like it here. I have been playing well the last three seasons, at a high level. I love the atmosphere, the coaching, the tradition. Being able to continue that for the next few years is definitely a blessing.”

When available Fitzpatrick has started all 46 games with the Steelers missing just one during the 2021 season. In his four years in the NFL, Fitzpatrick has recorded 350 tackles, 36 pass deflections, 13 interceptions returning three for touchdowns, eight sacks, five tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.

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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77