Minkah Fitzpatrick became the NFL’s highest paid security on Wednesday, with a four-year contract extension worth more than $ 73.6 million with $ 36 million guaranteed.
On Thursday, the Steelers game creator said he wanted to be the highest paid security, but he knows it’s just a new benchmark for someone else to break.
“Yeah, I think I’m one of the best at what I do,” he said. “So obviously you’d like to be paid this way and represented in this way. In a week or a year, obviously someone will pass, but you always want to raise the bar for the boys. I want Mr. Rooney and (CEO) Omar (Khan) to see the work I’ve done, and obviously my field game is. I am willing to do this, and I am grateful to you. “
The all-time first-team All-Pro has proven its worth in Pittsburgh since being traded to the Steelers in 2019. In 46 games, it has generated 11 INTs with 203 tackles in Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick said Thursday that the money shows the Steelers are relying on him to keep rising, but do not add pressure.
“Because I’ve done it, there’s no pressure,” he said. “That’s the standard I stand for every day.”
It was also important for Fitzpatrick to reach his agreement before training camp next month, so that he could only focus on the ball.
“It was important. I wanted to be there with my teammates, practicing and competing,” he said. “What I appreciate most about this organization is its commitment to victory. The season I got here, they lost their QB of the Hall of Fame. They could have closed. But they came out, they caught me and they went add other guys. It was a season to win “.
Last season ended with what Fitzpatrick called a “shame” with a playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs: a 42-21 loss.
With a big contract in hand, star security is now back on track to win.