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NFL NationESPN
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
Top news of the day
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.”
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…”
More NFL headlines:
Best videos
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Check out some Chargers, including Joey Bosa and Derwin James, as they interact with puppies.
Counting the days until we’re doing this for real. 👏
Minicamp Day 2 highlights: pic.twitter.com/lxIkCbUBKM
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 15, 2022
Target locked 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5U4rojUDNx
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 15, 2022
A look at the second day of Ravens minicamp, including a deep throw from Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/7x6Urbarl9
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 15, 2022
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
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2022
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
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 15, 2022
Day 2 of #Saints Minicamp ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/86aEakOpoB
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 15, 2022
Kyler Murray went 5 for 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 the last offseason workout before training camp including @e_harris_31 pic.twitter.com/bJbbArOIe3
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 15, 2022
Quotes 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] succeeds. My job is to back him up.”
Commanders backup QB Taylor Heinicke, on Washington’s QB competition
“I didn’t realize how big he was.”
Jets rookie RB Breece Hall, on meeting left tackle Mekhi Becton for the first time
Best photos
Mekhi Becton on the naysayers: “I’m going to make them eat their words.” #Jets pic.twitter.com/UhVjVTnYEM
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 15, 2022
👋 https://t.co/8tQx5yTBZy pic.twitter.com/14ZUG13EAP
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 15, 2022
big time pics at minicamp 📸 pic.twitter.com/APZX3KbOJw
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 15, 2022
One rep at a time 💪 pic.twitter.com/KChjYHm2XN
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 15, 2022