Good News: The Cat is back in his main position” After full season of suffering” Teryl Austin has finally promised..
Minkah Fitzpatrick was forced to take on a variety of duties last season as the Steelers coped with injuries in the secondary and linebacking corps. But by 2024, the All-Pro safety should be able to manage a more typical workload.
Fitzpatrick’s usage rate in centerfield-type deployments decreased last season. Fitzpatrick is believed to perform best when employed as a free safety due to his ballhawking abilities.
Rather, his diverse job comprised more time spent both at slot corner and in the box. The four-time Pro Bowler was held without an interception for the first time in his career last year, and that was mostly due to that.
Regarding Fitzpatrick’s usage, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin stated, “The biggest thing is as coaches, our job is to try to get all of our guys in the best position as possible so they can play as well as they can and play up to their abilities” (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). Therefore, I most likely failed in that area last year.
We put too much pressure on him, and I believe I’m going to return to what truly makes him unique.
Damontae Kazee, whose suspension terminated the regular season, is expected to return to Pittsburgh. Additionally, the team signed veteran safety DeShon Elliott in free agency. The addition of Patrick Queen to the roster and the draft choice of Payton Wilson to the roster this offseason further bolstered the Steelers’ linebacking group, which already features veterans Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts.
Fitzpatrick should be able to return to an all-but-exclusive duty as a free safety in 2024 because to improved health and increasing depth at both positions.
Since being acquired by the Steelers from the Dolphins, the 27-year-old has shown himself to be a valuable addition, recording 41 pass deflections and 17 interceptions.
Fitzpatrick’s $18.25 million contract is set to expire in2026, and he will be highly anticipated in 2024, particularly if he can find his ideal alignment again.
Fitzpatrick was held off the board in terms of interceptions last season, but Pittsburgh was only 17th in the league in passing yards allowed.
In contrast, the Steelers ended 11th in interceptions overall. He may revert to his most productive position and make improvements in both areas.
