Steelers place 3 defenders on All-Pro list

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, defensive end Cam Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick were named first-team AllPro, making the Steelers the only team in the NFL with three All-Pros on defense.

Watt was named first-team as an edge rusher. He also was named as a secondteam linebacker. Heyward was named as an interior lineman and Fitzpatrick as a safety.

Rookie receiver Diontae Johnson was named as second-team punt returner.

It’s the first All-Pro selection for Watt and Fitzpatrick and second for Heyward, who also made it in 2017.

Watt is in the running for NFL defensive player of the year. He had a careerhigh 14½ sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions.

Fitzpatrick, acquired in trade with Miami in the second week, tied for the team-lead in interceptions with five and had two touchdowns. He also had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Heyward registered nine sacks and a career-high 83 tackles. He also had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, and he tied his previous career high in quarterback hits with 22.

Johnson didn’t earn the punt return job until midway through the season, but he was dynamic in his 20 returns. He averaged 12.4 yards per return and had an 85-yard touchdown against Arizona.

Former Pitt star Aaron Donald was named All-Pro for a fifth consecutive year. He received 49 of a possible 50 votes. The only players that were unanimous selections (50 votes) were cornerback Stephon Gilmore of the Patriots and receiver Michael Thomas of the Saints.

Christian McCaffrey’s versatility and superb statistics helped him to a rare double. The Carolina running back made the All-Pro Team at two positions including rusher and flex player.

The Ravens Lamar Jackson, in his second season, led Baltimore to a league-best 14-2 mark, was chosen as quarterback.

Bears

Chicago made Eddie Jackson the NFL’s highest-paid safety, agreeing to a $58.4 million contract extension. The deal guarantees $33 million and averages $14.6 million.