Best of Wednesday at NFL minicamps: Minkah Fitzpatrick gets rich, Mekhi Becton makes a statement

June 15, 2022 admin

Dan Orlovsky breaks down why Minkah Fitzpatrick is such an important part of the Steelers’ defense. (0:48)

Wednesday saw minicamps continue for much of the NFL, as many teams performed for the last time before training camps start in late July. But the big news of the day came from teams that already concluded minicamps, as the Pittsburgh Steelers made Minkah Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety in NFL history with a four-year extension worth $18.4 million per season. The Indianapolis Colts lost one of their starting safeties, as Khari Willis is retiring after three seasons.

But there was plenty of action on the practice field Wednesday, too, as the Cleveland Browns made a roughly hourlong trip south to work out at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, right next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton also came up with a compelling way to respond to his critics.

This week is the busiest of the minicamp season, as 17 teams are working out. Last week saw 12 teams participate in minicamps, with the Miami Dolphins going earlier and the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles choosing not to have mandatory minicamps.

Here are some snapshots, many from ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters who are on the scene at this week’s activities, from Wednesday’s minicamps:

Jump to the best of the day:
Photos | Videos | Quotes

Steelers make Minkah Fitzpatrick highest-paid safety in NFL history
Fitzpatrick is starting his summer vacation with a nice payday after securing a deal to become the NFL’s highest-paid safety. The Steelers and their star safety agreed to a four-year extension that will pay Fitzpatrick over $18.4 million per year, WME Sports, Fitzpatrick’s agency, confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Fitzpatrick was also given $36 million guaranteed at signing, Schefter confirmed.

Becton wary of critics, set ‘to make them eat their words’
Becton, nicknamed “Big Ticket,” delivered a big message Wednesday to his critics. “I’m going to make them eat their words,” he said at the conclusion of a two-day minicamp. Becton, who has battled injuries and a weight problem since his promising rookie year in 2020, sounded determined to change the narrative. In his first media availability since last September, he showed up wearing a blue T-shirt that read: “Big Bust.”

Ron Rivera says Commanders not trading holdout WR Terry McLaurin
Rivera expressed optimism that a deal would get done with holdout receiver Terry McLaurin, adding that they’re not going to trade their top wideout just because nothing has been signed yet. McLaurin missed the first two days of Washington’s mandatory minicamp. He attended workouts earlier in the spring but skipped the voluntary OTA sessions the past three weeks. McLaurin’s rookie contract expires after the season. He’s seeking a new deal in line with what other top receivers have received this offseason.

Colts starting safety Khari Willis announces retirement after three NFL seasons
Willis announced Wednesday that he is retiring after three seasons in the NFL to pursue a future in ministry.”With much prayer and deliberation, I have elected to officially retire from the NFL as I endeavor to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Willis, 26, wrote in an Instagram post. “I thank all of my family, friends and those who have supported me on this journey thus far and I look forward to your continued support through the next phase of my life. … I am both humbled and excited to pursue the holy call that God has for my life which brings me much joy and purpose. Thank you all for your support over the years…”

Saints’ Marcus Davenport had half of pinkie amputated this offseason
Davenport had the top portion of his left pinkie finger amputated this offseason after breaking a plate from a previous surgery and experiencing an infection. Davenport, who also had surgery on his right shoulder in January, is hoping to be healthy by training camp, but the finger issue threw an unexpected wrench into his timetable. Davenport said his pinkie has been a nagging issue since he first tore ligaments in it during his junior year at Texas-San Antonio in a 2016 bowl game.

More NFL headlines:

Commanders owner Dan Snyder declines invitation to testify at June 22 congressional hearing

Jeffery Simmons not practicing at Titans minicamp but says ‘focus is not on my contract’

Panthers’ Robbie Anderson: Retirement, Baker Mayfield tweets just ‘thinking out loud’

Joined @maxkellerman on This Just In to discuss Justin Fields’ assessment of the Bears offense and what we’ve seen from the 2nd year QB in OTAs and minicamp. pic.twitter.com/jmlh3Pm44M

Check out some Chargers, including Joey Bosa and Derwin James, as they interact with puppies.

Back in the office. 👌#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/84wBhufjdU

Counting the days until we’re doing this for real. 👏

Minicamp Day 2 highlights: pic.twitter.com/lxIkCbUBKM

dudes rock 🙂 pic.twitter.com/LxsvQ5WIGJ

Target locked 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5U4rojUDNx

A look at the second day of Ravens minicamp, including a deep throw from Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/7x6Urbarl9

Good drill to see who’s comfortable catching the ball. Those who accelerate through the catch are, those that slow down….aren’t. #Titans pic.twitter.com/jOAPQIU9oC

Zach Wilson in his final practice of the offseason. Expectations will be greater in Year 2, although Saleh tried to manage them by saying Wilson just needs to continue his progression and not be a star. #Jets pic.twitter.com/55qjK4al0i

Skyy high ⏫ pic.twitter.com/sPIiobfyTK

Day 2 of #Saints Minicamp ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/86aEakOpoB

Kyler Murray went 5 for 5, including the money ball. pic.twitter.com/yJa306YiSG

We see you @demetricfelton7 👀 pic.twitter.com/YRKuZhqMgP

DBs working during the last offseason workout before training camp including @e_harris_31 pic.twitter.com/bJbbArOIe3

Mekhi Becton on the naysayers: “I’m going to make them eat their words.” #Jets pic.twitter.com/UhVjVTnYEM

👋 https://t.co/8tQx5yTBZy pic.twitter.com/14ZUG13EAP

big time pics at minicamp 📸 pic.twitter.com/APZX3KbOJw

back together again 💜 pic.twitter.com/0j9jEGSUTW

One rep at a time 💪 pic.twitter.com/KChjYHm2XN

SOON! pic.twitter.com/wTBM6wUthB

sheeeeshhh @Terracemjr went 🆙 pic.twitter.com/iMpntw61jo