Are Steelers concerned about making Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a major decision to make next offseason. Has Minkah Fitzpatrick shown enough to become the NFL’s highest-paid safety? 

The Steelers have a major decision to make next offseason on whether or not Minkah Fitzpatrick should become the highest-paid safety in the NFL. While the decision to lock him up seems like a no-brainer, a shaky stretch of performances could have Pittsburgh hesitating to pull the trigger.

Back in 2019 and 2020, Minkah was the most productive NFL safety over a two-year stretch thanks to his ability to create splash plays and take the ball away. During this time, Fitzpatrick earned 9 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 defensive touchdowns.

His impact on the team was felt immediately, and he became a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate in both seasons. Because of his terrific play, Minkah was awarded two Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro honors.

Unfortunately, the safety who was on a Hall of Fame pace looks like a shade of his former self so far in 2021. Now in year four, Fitzpatrick has earned just one splash play (a forced fumble) in his first six games of the season. In addition, is that he has not taken the ball away from the offense in 12 straight games leading back to last season.

Perhaps even more concerning is his consistency in coverage. While Minkah has been a solid run-defender this season, his coverage has really been lacking. According to Pro Football Reference, the former All-Pro has allowed 17 of 21 passes to be completed in his coverage for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. This equates to a 128.0 passer rating surrendered on the season — roughly twice as bad as his passer rating allowed over the past two years.

It’s also not a good sign to see that Fitzpatrick has currently earned just a 37.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. This ranks 84th out of 86 qualifying safeties, and his 29.8 coverage grade is among the worst of any defensive back in the NFL this year.

Whether you respect PFF or not, Minkah’s play certainly hasn’t passed the eye test this year, and he’s made almost no impact above replacement level on the defense. How does this affect the Steelers when it comes time to give him a massive contract extension?

Should Steelers be worried about paying Minkah?

The Steelers traded a first-round pick to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick just two seasons ago, so letting him walk in free agency really isn’t an option. Pittsburgh is going to fork up great money to keep their safety, but should they be concerned?

Based on his performance so far this season, there is ample reason to be worried. However, I really believe that Minkah is a talented enough player to turn things around. This isn’t the first time the Pro Bowl safety has had a dry spout. At the end of his 2019 season and into his 2020 campaign, Minkah had an 11-game stretch in which he failed to earn an interception while being credited with just one pass defense during that time.

The good news is that we have seen what the highs look like for Fitzpatrick — and they are indeed very high. When at his best, Minkah can be the most valuable safety in the league. However, he must become more consistent.

It’s entirely possible that Fitzpatrick looks like the All-Pro safety we have come to know following the bye week. As of now, we just need to let the season play out and trust that Minkah will soon turn things around and start playing like the star we all know he can be.