Steelers exercise 5th-year option for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for $10.6 million in 2022

With the deadline approaching for NFL teams to tender fifth-year options to 2018 first-round picks, the Steelers got a jump on the process by exercising it for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The move locks in Fitzpatrick’s salary for the 2022 season at a guaranteed $10.612 million.

NFL Network first reported the news Tuesday, and Fitzpatrick responded with a Twitter message that simply said, “Blessings” with a prayer emoji.

Blessings?? https://t.co/rt9QPl07Wf

— Minkah Fitzpatrick (@minkfitz_21) April 27, 2021

The deadline for teams to exercise such options is Monday afternoon. The Steelers still have not decided whether to pick up the option for their other starting safety, Terrell Edmunds.

If the Steelers exercise his option, Edmunds will earn $6.753 million in 2022.

Fitzpatrick’s option is for the higher amount because he has made the Pro Bowl twice in his career.

Fitzpatrick has started 30 consecutive games at free safety since the Steelers acquired him from the Miami Dolphins early in the 2019 season. In addition to being named to the Pro Bowl, Fitzpatrick has earned the more prestigious first-team All-Pro award in each of his two seasons with the Steelers.

He had four interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2020. He also had 79 tackles, including a career-high 60 solo.

While picking up Fitzpatrick’s option was a no-brainer, Edmunds isn’t a lock to have his 2022 salary guaranteed. Although he has started at strong safety in each of his three seasons with the Steelers, he never has been selected to a Pro Bowl.

Edmunds didn’t miss a start in his first two seasons. He started 12 times in 15 games last year when he accumulated two interceptions, eight pass breakups and 68 tackles, including 46 solo.

If the Steelers do not exercise Edmunds’ option, he will become a free agent after the 2021 season.