Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick reveals why he deserves being the highest-paid safety in the NFL

On Wednesday, Minkah Fitzpatrick became the top safety in the NFL with a record-breaking contract deal. Signing a four-year deal extension valued at more than $73.6 million, with a guaranteed $36 million, the Pittsburgh Steelers ensured that their talisman remained with the team for the foreseeable future.

Image Credits – Behindthesteelers

On Thursday, Fitzpatrick stated his desire to be the highest-paid safety and revealed why he deserved the contract as well. By his own admission, Fitzpatrick claims it’s only a new standard for somebody else to shatter. And the two-time Pro Bowler has clearly shown his value to the Steelers. Fitzpatrick has been with the Steelers since being traded in 2019. In 46 games with Pittsburgh, he had 11 interceptions and 203 tackles.

Minkah Fitzpatrick reveals why he deserved to be the highest-paid safety in NFL

“I believe I’m one of the best but I’m Doing,” he said in an interview after signing his blockbuster deal. “Obviously, you want to be compensated and represented in this manner. Someone will certainly pass it up in a week or a year, but you like to raise the bar for the men after you, and want to raise the standard for the individuals in our locker room. Mr. Rooney and (general manager) Omar (Khan) see the effort I put in, and my play on the field reflects that. They’re prepared to do that for me, which I appreciate.”

Fitzpatrick said on Thursday that the money indicates the Steelers believe in him and that it doesn’t increase pressure. “There’s no pressure since I’ve done it,” he explained. “That is the standard I put myself to on a daily basis.”

Fitzpatrick also needed to complete his contract before preseason training next month so he could focus only on the game. “It was crucial. I wanted to be out with my teammates, competing and practising “he remarked. “What I like most about this organization is its determination to succeed. They lost its Hall of Fame quarterback the season I arrived. They may have failed. Then they went out, got me, and brought some other people with them. It was a competitive season.”

Last season finished in “embarrassment,” according to Fitzpatrick. With a 42-21 finals loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With a huge contract in place, the ace safety is determined to return to his winning ways.

The four-year extension is included in the five-year deal. This begins in 2023, in addition to only one year Fitzpatrick has left on his prior contract. It is the first large revalue by new Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan, and it exceeds Jamal Adams’ $17.5 million per year agreement.

Fitzpatrick was acquired from the Dolphins in return for a first-round draught selection in 2019. The Alabama graduate has 11 interceptions to his credit and three defensive touchdowns. He’s also caused 3 fumbles and retrieved four more.