NFL Mandatory 2022 Minicamps – Minkah Fitzpatrick Gets Rich, Mekhi Becton Releases Statement
Wednesday saw minicamps continue throughout much of the NFL, as many teams performed for the last time before training camps began in late July. But the big news of the day came from the teams that finished the minicamps, like Pittsburgh Steelers perform Minkah Fitzpatrick highest paying safety in NFL history with a four-year extension of $18.4 million per season. The Indianapolis Colts lose one of their original safety, like Khari Willis will retire after three seasons.
But there was also a lot of action on Wednesday’s training ground, because Cleveland Browns did an hour-long trip south to get fit at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, right next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. New York Jets solve attack Mekhi Becton also devised a compelling way to respond to his critics.
This week is the busiest week of the minicamp season, as 17 teams are working. Last week saw 12 teams take part in minicamps, with Miami Dolphins go earlier and Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles choose no mandatory minicamps.
Here are some snapshots, many from ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters who were on the scene at this week’s activities, from Wednesday’s minicamps:
Jump to the best of the day:
Picture | Video | Quote
Top news of the day
Steelers Make Minkah Fitzpatrick Highest-Paid Safely in NFL History
Fitzpatrick is starting his summer break with a good payday after striking a deal to become the NFL’s highest-paid safe. The Steelers and their star safety have agreed to a four-year extension that will pay Fitzpatrick more than $18.4 million annually, WME Sports, Fitzpatrick’s agency, confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Fitzpatrick was also guaranteed $36 million upon signing, Schefter confirmed.
Becton wary of critics, set ‘to make them eat their word’
Becton, nicknamed “Big Ticket,” delivered a big message Wednesday to its critics. “I’ll make them profit,” he said at the end of the two-day minicamp. Becton, who has been dealing with injuries and weight problems since his promising rookie year in 2020, seems determined to change the story. In his first media appearance since last September, he wore a blue t-shirt that read: “Big Bust”.
Ron Rivera Says Commanders Don’t Trade WR Terry McLaurin Stocks
Rivera expressed optimism that a deal would be struck with the holder of the hold Terry McLaurin, adding that it won’t trade its flagship extension just because nothing has been signed yet. McLaurin missed the first two days of the mandatory minicamp in Washington. He attended training sessions in early spring, but has skipped voluntary OTAs for the past three weeks. Rookie McLaurin’s contract expires after the season. He’s looking for a new deal that matches what other top-notch recordists have been getting this season.
Colts Start Safe 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 the ministry. “With much prayer and consideration, I have made the decision to officially retire from the NFL as I strive to dedicate the rest of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Willis. , 26 years old, wrote in an Instagram post. “I thank all of my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me on this journey so far, and I look forward to your continued support throughout the next phase of my life… humbly and excitedly pursue the holy vocation that God has for my life, bringing me so much joy and purpose. Thank you all for your support over the years…”
Saints’ Marcus Davenport had half of his pinky amputated this season
Davenport had the top part of his left little finger amputated after breaking a patch from previous surgery and developing an infection. Davenport, who also had surgery on his right shoulder in January, hopes to stay healthy in training camp. But the finger problem threw an unexpected key into his timetable. Davenport said his little finger has been a problem since he first tore a ligament in it during his junior year at Texas-San Antonio during a 2016 bowl game.
Other NFL titles:
Best video
Joined @maxkellerman on This Just In to discuss Justin Fields’ review of Bears offense and what we’ve seen from year 2 QB in the OTA and minicamp. pic.twitter.com/jmlh3Pm44M
– Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 15, 2022
Check out some of the Chargers, including Joey Bosa and Derwin James, as they interact with puppies.
Back to the office.#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/84wBhufjdU
– Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 15, 2022
Counting the days until we make this happen.
Highlights of Minicamp Day 2: pic.twitter.com/lxIkCbUBKM
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 15, 2022
Target is locked pic.twitter.com/5U4rojUDNx
– Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 15, 2022
A look back at day two of the Ravens minicamp, including a deep throw from Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/7x6Urbarl9
– Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 15, 2022
Let’s wait and see who is comfortable catching the ball. Those who speeded through the lap caught, those who slowed down…. did not. #Titans pic.twitter.com/jOAPQIU9oC
– TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2022
Zach Wilson in the final practice session of the season. Expectations were greater in Year 2, although Saleh tried to manage them by saying that Wilson just needed to keep making progress and not being a star. #Jets pic.twitter.com/55qjK4al0i
– Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 15, 2022
The sky is high pic.twitter.com/sPIiobfyTK
– Chief of Kansas City (@Chiefs) June 15, 2022
Day 2 of # Paint Minicamps ️ pic.twitter.com/86aEakOpoB
– New Orleans Saints (@S Paint) June 15, 2022
Kyler Murray hit 5 to 5, including the money ball. pic.twitter.com/yJa306YiSG
– Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) June 15, 2022
We see you @ demetricfelton7 pic.twitter.com/YRKuZhqMgP
– Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 15, 2022
DBs working during end of season practice before training camp include @ e_harris_31 pic.twitter.com/bJbbArOIe3
– Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 15, 2022
Quote of the day
“I don’t think that’s an option. You’re paying someone $30 million and someone else $2 million. You’re paying this guy $30 million to play. I hope. [Wentz] successful. My job is to support him. ”
QB Backup Commander Taylor Heinicke, in Washington’s QB Competition
“I didn’t realize how big he was.”
Jets rookie RB Breece Hall, in the encounter on the left handled Mekhi Becton for the first time
The best pictures
Mekhi Becton on Protesters: “I’ll Make ’em Take Their Word.” #Jets pic.twitter.com/UhVjVTnYEM
– Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 15, 2022
https://t.co/8tQx5yTBZy pic.twitter.com/14ZUG13EAP
– New Orleans Saints (@S Paint) June 15, 2022
big time pics at minicamp pic.twitter.com/APZX3KbOJw
– New York Jets (@nyjets) June 15, 2022
back together again pic.twitter.com/0j9jEGSUTW
– Baltimore Raven (@Ravens) June 15, 2022
Each time a representative pic.twitter.com/KChjYHm2XN
– Chief of Kansas City (@Chiefs) June 15, 2022
SOON! pic.twitter.com/wTBM6wUthB
– Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) June 15, 2022
sheeeeshhh @Terracemjr went pic.twitter.com/iMpntw61jo
– Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 15, 2022
Non-stop grinding pic.twitter.com/GXLj1DhKDi
– The Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 15, 2022
VALID ️ pic.twitter.com/7iyjwQvRRB
– Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 15, 2022