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On Wednesday, minicamps continued for much of the NFL as many teams performed for the last time before training camps begin in late July. But the big news of the day came from teams that had already completed 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 retires after three seasons.
But it was also busy on the practice field on Wednesday, as the Cleveland Browns made a roughly hour-long trip south to practice 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 found a compelling response to his critics.
This week is the busiest of the minicamp season as 17 teams train. Last week, 12 teams attended minicamps, with the Miami Dolphins leaving earlier and the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles opting not to hold mandatory minicamps.
Here are some snaps, many from ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters on hand 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 the highest-paid safety in NFL history
Fitzpatrick is starting his summer vacation on 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 a year, WME Sports, Fitzpatrick’s agency, confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter confirmed Fitzpatrick was also guaranteed $36 million upon signing.
Becton wary of critics ‘to make them eat their words’
Becton, nicknamed “Big Ticket,” delivered a big message to his critics on Wednesday. “I’m going to make them eat their words,” he said at the end of a two-day mini-camp. Becton, who has struggled with injuries and weight issues since his promising rookie year in 2020, sounded determined to change the narrative. In his first media appearance since last September, he showed himself in a blue T-shirt that read “Big Bust”.
Ron Rivera Says Commanders Don’t Trade Holdout WR Terry McLaurin
Rivera expressed optimism that a deal would be struck with holdout receiver Terry McLaurin, adding that they won’t trade their top wideout simply because nothing has been signed yet. McLaurin missed the first two days of Washington’s mandatory mini-camp. He used to attend training sessions in the spring but skipped voluntary OTA sessions for the last three weeks. McLaurin’s rookie contract expires after the season. He’s looking for a new deal to match what other top receivers have received this offseason.
Colts start with safety Khari Willis announces his 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 of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Willis, 26, wrote in an Instagram post. “Thank you to all of my family , my friends and those who have supported me on this journey thus far, and I look forward to your continued support in the next phase of my life….I am both humbled and excited to follow the sacred call that God has for my life , which brings me so much joy and meaning. Thank you all for your support over the years…”
The Saints’ Marcus Davenport had half of his little finger amputated this offseason
Davenport had the upper part of his left little finger amputated this offseason after breaking a plate and suffering an infection in a previous operation. Davenport, who also underwent surgery on his right shoulder in January, is hoping to be well before training camp. But the finger problem took an unexpected hit on his schedule. Davenport said his pinky has been a nagging problem since he first tore ligaments during his junior year at Texas-San Antonio in a 2016 bowl game.
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The best videos
Joined @maxkellermann on This Just In to discuss Justin Fields’ take on the Bears offense and what we’ve seen from the 2nd year QB in OTAs and minicamps. pic.twitter.com/jmlh3Pm44M
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 15, 2022
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Check out some Chargers including Joey Bosa and Derwin James as they interact with pups.
Back in the office. 👌#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/84wBhufjdU
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 15, 2022
We’re counting down the days until we actually do this. 👏
Day 2 Minicamp 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 day two of Ravens Minicamp, including Lamar Jackson’s deep throw pic.twitter.com/7x6Urbarl9
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 15, 2022
Good practice to see who can comfortably catch the ball. Those who accelerate through the hook are, those who slow down…are not. #Titans pic.twitter.com/jOAPQIU9oC
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2022
Zach Wilson in his final practice session 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
sky high ⏫ pic.twitter.com/sPIiobfyTK
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 15, 2022
Day 2 of #saints Mini camp ⚜️ 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 work during the last off-season practice before training camp, inclusive @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 pay someone $30 million and someone else $2 million. You pay this guy $30 million to play. I hope [Wentz] succeeds. My job is to support him.”
Commanders support QB Taylor Heinicke in Washington’s QB contest
“I didn’t realize how tall he was.”
Jets rookie RB Breece Hall meets Mekhi Becton for the first time
Best Photos
Mekhi Becton on the naysayers: ‘I’ll 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
large pictures in the mini camp 📸 pic.twitter.com/APZX3KbOJw
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 15, 2022
together again 💜 pic.twitter.com/0j9jEGSUTW
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 15, 2022
One repetition after the other 💪 pic.twitter.com/KChjYHm2XN
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 15, 2022
SOON! pic.twitter.com/wTBM6wUthB
– Bully Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) June 15, 2022
Shihh @Terracemjr went 🆙 pic.twitter.com/iMpntw61jo
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 15, 2022
Grind doesn’t stop 💪 pic.twitter.com/GXLj1DhKDi
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 15, 2022
COOPE ✌️ pic.twitter.com/7iyjwQvRRB
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 15, 2022