Minkah Fitzpatrick signs new 5-year deal with Steelers, becomes highest-paid safety in NFL history

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to a new five-year contract, which covers the final year of his current deal and tacks on a four-year extension, the team announced Wednesday.

The team didn't announce any financial details, but Fitzpatrick's agency, WME Sports, confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that the deal is worth more than $18.4 million per year, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, and includes $36 million guaranteed. Before Wednesday, the highest-paid safety in the NFL was Jamal Adams of the Seattle Seahawks, who makes $17.5 million a year.

"I am very excited," Fitzpatrick said minutes after signing the contract. "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."

Fitzpatrick, 25, was picked in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Miami Dolphins, who traded him to the Steelers after Week 2 of the 2019 season. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick has gotten better. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020, and was also chosen as a First-Team All-Pro in both of those years. He had 124 tackles in 2021, his first season with more than 100, which was a 45 tackle jump from his 2020 total. He has reeled in 11 interceptions over his three years with the Steelers, and played in all but one game, starting the other 46.

After signing the contract, Fitzpatrick discussed why he's so thrilled to continue playing for the Steelers.