Linked to a few free agent safeties this offseason, the Steelers will bring back a familiar face. They are re-signing Terrell Edmunds, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
Edmunds agreed to a one-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh on Friday; this will be the former first-round pick’s fifth Steelers season. The agreement comes a year after the Steelers declined Edmunds’ fifth-year option. Edmunds signed for $2.5MM, passing on two other offers to stay with the Steelers, Rapoport adds (on Twitter). Those offers may have come from the Bengals and Dolphins, with ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler tweeting both teams were in the mix for the veteran safety.
The Steelers recently re-signed former first-rounder Karl Joseph as well, but Edmunds figures to have a much better chance of starting alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick next season. He has been a starter throughout his NFL tenure, lining up as a Steelers first-stringer in 60 games. The former No. 28 overall pick started all 18 Steelers games in 2021, intercepting two passes and making a career-high eight tackles for loss.
Edmunds’ return may well close the book on a Steelers deal with Tyrann Mathieu. The team was believed to be interested at the right price, but other teams — like the Eagles and Saints — have been more prominent Mathieu suitors. The Steelers are eyeing a Fitzpatrick extension, one that could top the safety market, this year. Saving money at the other safety spot makes sense for a team that recently gave T.J. Watt a defender-record contract.
So much for Mathieu coming here. After a strong start to free agency, still far too many holes, especially in the secondary
This isn’t a super bowl team so no need to throw Super Bowl money at Mathieu? Everyone they’ve signed has been 26 and younger on a 2-3 year deal. If Tuitt and Alualu return to form it can help a secondary
Exactly. People hate on edmunds and I really don’t see why. He’s a 4 year starter, and he’ll cost much less than Mathieu
Why? Maybe because he can’t cover. That’s all it comes down to. He’s actually better at stopping the run but if the secondary is stopping runs, what does that tell you.
Meanwhile, the logic about Mathieu makes little sense. Why sign TJ? Why “lock up” Minkah? The age thing is secondary, pardon the pun, if the talent is there. I mean, isn’t the goal to contend every year, or is Tomlin just blowing smoke ?
They brought in Jack at linebacker but stopped short, and are merely hoping Tuitt and Alualu return
They brought Edmunds back on the cheap and I’ll give them that. Clearly, teams weren’t beating his door down with offers.
They started out nicely in the free agency period but there are so many needs to still figure out
You really think they are a non-QB piece or two away from being a legit Super Bowl contender?
They aren’t contending this year. They’re setting themselves up to be competitive this year and really compete 2023 & beyond.
And, no, you will never hear Tomlin say that to the public or the team. He’s not an idiot.
And this signing takes safety off the needs list heading into the draft.
Only a one year contract so no, safety is not off the board.
They most likely went back to Edmonds because The Honey Badger told them that the Steelers were out of the running.
Mathieu would have been nice, but he wouldn’t have put the team over the top to compete for a Super Bowl. Edmunds on a one year deal at cheap money vs Mathieu on a likely 3 yr, $10MM/year contract, I’ll take Edmunds. Use the money to lock up Fitzpatrick and/or Johnson
I did a complete 180 on him last year. I was his biggest hater and he shoved it up my hoop. He really played solid down the stretch, and that’s all you need to do when you play alongside minkah. Glad he’s back
He’s not a splash player but he’s reliable. That’s a big thing in the NFL.