Wednesday's NFL: Steelers sign star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to 5-year deal

Pittsburgh — Minkah Fitzpatrick is staying in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers signed their star safety to a five-year contract on Wednesday. Financial details were not released. NFL Network reported the deal is worth $73.6 million, which would make him the highest-paid safety in the league.

The 25-year-old Fitzpatrick was ready to enter the final year of his rookie contract. He has been spectacular at times since arriving in Pittsburgh in a trade with Miami in September 2019 and was selected to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team in each of his first two seasons with the Steelers.

Fitzpatrick said in a release he was “shocked” and “excited” as he enters the prime of his career.

“It’s just the beginning,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am appreciative. I am thankful. Now I just want to keep on chopping. I love the history here. What it stands for. The standard we are held to.”

Fitzpatrick's deal gives Pittsburgh's defense three pillars to build around as it begins the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. The Steelers signed reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt to a mega-contract last summer and veteran All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward is entering his 12th season with the club.

“Minkah is one of the top safeties in the NFL and we are thrilled he will be in Pittsburgh through at least the next five years,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. "When we traded for him, we knew he was going to be an integral part of our defense and we look forward to that continuing as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Fitzpatrick participated in the team's offseason program, but declined to do any 11-on-11 work, a decision that Watt made last year while his deal was being negotiated. Watt's contract wasn't finalized until the eve of the regular season. Getting Fitzpatrick done now removes any potential distractions for him as the team prepares to return to training camp at Saint Vincent College in late July.

“I really like it here," Fitzpatrick said. "I have been playing well the last three seasons, at a high level. I love the atmosphere, the coaching, the tradition. Being able to continue that for the next few years is definitely a blessing.”

Fitzpatrick is coming off a solid 2021 in which he had a career-best 124 tackles — the most by a defensive back in the league — to go with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He's been remarkably durable with the Steelers, missing just one game in three seasons while playing 99% of the defensive snaps.

Willis opts to retire from Colts, pursue ministry at age 26

Indianapolis — Khari Willis found there was more to life than football.

So on Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts' promising 26-year-old starting safety surprised many by retiring to join the ministry.

“I am both humbled and excited to pursue the holy call that God has for my life which brings me much joy and purpose,” Willis wrote in his announcement on Twitter. “Thank you all for the support over the years.”

Indy seemed to have an inkling Willis considered leaving when it excused him from the team's mandatory three-day minicamp in early June. Back then coach Frank Reich, who studied in the seminary and became a pastor after his football career ended, told reporters Willis was absent for personal reasons.

It's another early exit from a promising young player. Andrew Luck retired in August 2019 at age 29, an absence that left a gaping hole. Indy will have its sixth consecutive different opening day quarterback Sept. 11.

But the Colts appear better positioned to fill Willis' void.

Julian Blackmon, Indy's other incumbent starting safety, has already recovered from last fall's torn Achilles tendon and worked out with teammates at minicamp. The Colts also signed veterans Rodney McLeod and Armani Watts in free agency, added hard-hitting safety Nick Cross of Maryland in the third round of this year's draft and have two cornerback prospects, Marvell Tell III and Dallis Flowers, who could play safety.

And yet Willis will still be missed in the locker room.

“Never take having a great teammate for granted,” Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II wrote on Twitter. “From calling your name on your draft night to watching you mold into the human you are today. Best wishes in retirement, I’m always in your corner 37. Love bro.”

Willis made an immediate impact after general manager Chris Ballard took the former Michigan State captain in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.

He started nine games and finished with 71 tackles that season. Over his final two seasons, injuries forced Willis to miss eight of 33 games, but he continued playing a key role on a rapidly improving defense. He finished his career with 219 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions, 3 1/2 sacks and one fumble recovery.

But Reich expects Willis to be even more successful after football.

“Khari’s character, leadership, and professionalism will be missed in our locker room as will his play on Sundays,” Reich said in a statement. "I admire and respect his decision to transition into the next stage of his life and ministry and my prayers will always be with him.”