Steelers defensive coordinator has 'zero concerns' over Minkah Fitzpatrick contract negotiation

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and safeties coach Teryl Austin believes star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s contract situation will be in the rear view mirror by the time the first snap of the Steelers’ season is played come September.

“I have zero concerns about Minkah Fitzpatrick,” Austin told a local Pittsburgh radio station, via steelersdepot.com. “He’s a unicorn. He is always in great shape. He loves football. He’s got all the stuff he wants. So I have zero worries about it, and that stuff will take care of itself.”

Fitzpatrick is attending Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp, but likely won’t participate in team drills while seeking a long-term contract with the Steelers.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers won’t be rushed into a new deal with their star safety, while CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo believes contract talks won’t ramp up until mid-July, which gives the Steelers roughly five or six weeks to figure the deal out before offseason workouts begin transitioning into preseason games.

In four seasons in the NFL, Fitzpatrick has earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors twice. Last season was the most impressive by far on the stat sheet for the former Alabama standout, leading the Steelers with 124 tackles, seven pass deflections and two interceptions.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that he doesn’t have a plan for Fitzpatrick’s minicamp participation, but will play it by ear.

For now, however, the All-Pro safety will have to play under the final year of his rookie deal, which will pay him $10.6 million under his fifth-year option, but looks to be one of the highest paid players at his position by the time the season rolls around.

This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens gave Marcus Williams a five-year, $70 million deal that included $32 million in guarantees, while Seattle Seahawks star Jamal Adams is the highest safety per year at $17.5 million, and Fitzpatrick can assume he’ll strike a deal with numbers rivaling his two fellow defensive backs.

The Steelers gave up a litany of draft choices over the last few years for the trade, and it won’t be for nothing. Fitzpatrick’s money is coming, he just happens to be constructing a new deal with a team that is notorious for being patient with their contract negotiations.