PITTSBURGH ((3.7 the Fan) The Pittsburgh Steelers safety core for 2022 has the chance to be one of the most stacked in the NFL if all things go right.
As of Wednesday, however, the path isn't as clear as many would expect.
It was reported by Aditi Kinkhabwala on Monday that the Steelers and all-pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are "close to" signing a long-term, high-priced deal.
A deal to Fitzpatrick could handcuff the Steelers and take them out of the running for Tyrann Mathieu.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers and Fitzpatrick are yet to start contract talks.
The team is aiming to sign Fitzpatrick to a deal that would make him one of the highest paid in his position, but the conversations are yet to start.
Dulac reports that according to team sources, the Steelers might not offer Fitzpatrick a new contract until they are able to fill a second safety position.
Whether through the draft or free agency the Steelers want to have an NFL caliber player at that the strong safety position.
Steelers' fans can still hold on to hope that they are not out of the Honey Badger race.
As a matter of fact, an announcement of Mathieu may come before the announcement of a contract extension for Fitzpatrick.
