According to ESPN , the New Jersey native, Minkah Fitzpatrick, has officially become the highest-paid safety in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Fitzpatrick negotiated for a few weeks and concluded with a four-year extension worth more than $18.4 million per year. However, money doesn’t seem to be what motivates Fitzpatrick.
“The money is a blessing. It opens doors for our loved ones and those around us. But it’s not just about the money; it’s about the message behind it,” expressed Fitzpatrick. “They believe in your abilities and expect you to excel. He consistently competes against top-notch opponents and delivers exceptional performances.”
He views the amount of money being paid as how much the organization trusts him to perform at a high level. While the money is nice, it doesn’t determine everything in his eyes. He believes in how much the organization trusts or believes in one to be consistent, efficient, and reliable. Fitzpatrick is honored to receive this money, but mainly, because of his long rigorous journey up until this point.
“… It’s more of that, that I’m trying to hold myself to, rather than say, ‘I got paid, so now I’ve got to play well.’ It’s no, these guys trust me with this amount of money, this amount of responsibility, so now it’s my duty to go out there and play at a high level and show them that I deserve this compensation.”
What may Have Fitzpatrick and the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t come to an agreement?
While Fitzpatrick loves the Steelers organization and wished to continue his career there. One possibility could have resulted in Fitzpatrick in a different uniform. Many understand how deserving he is of the money. However, contractually he possibly could have put the Steelers in a bind. However, that wasn’t the case, in fact, the Steelers actually saved cap space ( 2,487,675), per Field Yates .
Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick received a $17.5M signing bonus as part of his extension, while his 2022 base salary dropped to $4M.
His updated 2022 cap charge: $8,124,235.
In locking up their star, the Steelers also created $2,487,675 in cap space.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 16, 2022
Fitzpatrick could have fit well on several teams in the NFL. His capability to play corner, as well as, safety gives him endless opportunities. Not to mention, Fitzpatrick’s playmaking ability on the football while it’s in the air. Additionally, with his gifts, he’s even more deserving of the latest contract. Considering, he’s one of the top safeties in the NFL it only seems certain to keep him happy.
