PITTSBURGH — In September 2020, just before the start of the regular season, the Steelers came to terms with Cam Heyward on a new contract. The deal, which averages more than $16 million a season, was the richest contract in NFL history for a player over 30.
A year later, the Steelers made T.J. Watt the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The Steelers committed $80 million in guaranteed money as part of the four-year deal worth more than $112 million. Then this summer, Minkah Fitzpatrick became the league's highest-paid safety when the Steelers signed him to a four-year contract totaling more than $73 million.
That's $250 million for the star trio, but they're also paying defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and linebacker Myles Jack $8 million per year. Add it all up, and the Steelers are the NFL's highest-paid defense this year with more than $100 million committed to their defenders.
