Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn revealed during a recent appearance on The SiriusXM Blitz that he turned down more money from the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign with Washington. Chinn inked a one-year, $4.105 million deal with the Commanders on March 14.
Washington finished 4-13 last season, but they’re under a new regime with head coach Dan Quinn. The Steelers are in a better position to win now than Washington, so it’s interesting that Chinn passed on the opportunity to play for Mike Tomlin, who is one of the most respected coaches in the league.
Chinn just liked the fit in Washington better. He truly believes in what Quinn and the organization are building.
“I can’t remember if it was a multi-year deal, but I did get another offer,” Chinn said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, via Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. “But just the situation here with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt and Jason Simmons and TD [Thomas Donatell], this is where I’m supposed to be man. I know this is where I’m supposed to be.”
The Steelers will see Chinn and the Commanders in Week 10 in Landover, Maryland.
Sometimes it’s not all about the money for players. Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen recently revealed to Derrick Bell of Steelers Now that he had opportunities to earn more money elsewhere but chose Pittsburgh because he is focused on winning right now.
With Chinn choosing Washington over Pittsburgh, the Steelers ended up signing safety DeShon Elliott on a two-year, $6 million contract in free agency. Elliott will serve as the strong safety opposite of All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Chinn played mostly in the box in Carolina, and that’s what the Steelers are expecting from Elliott. They really missed Terrell Edmunds’ presence last season, as he had tremendous chemistry with Fitzpatrick. The Steelers want Fitzpatrick to have fewer responsibilities and just be the post guy at free safety. That’s when he’s at his best.
Fizpatrick referred to it as ‘Minkah ball’ at OTAs on Wednesday.
“Just let me play ball,” Fitzpatrick said. “That’s it. Minkah ball.”
Last season was the first time in his career that he didn’t create a turnover. In 2022, Fitzpatrick was the NFL’s co-leader in interceptions with six.
Tomlin thinks the toughness component of Elliott will help the defense thrive.
“Again, we have familiarity with DeShon and just got a lot of respect for how he plays the game, the toughness component,” Tomlin said at the NFL’s owners meetings in March. “We felt like he would be a good asset in addition to our secondary. Good tackler, good communicator. There’s a lot that’s attractive about him and we’re excited to get to work with him.”