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Should the Steelers move on from Terrell Edmunds in 2020?

By Brandon Kring

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers is sacked by Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers is sacked by Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Why the Steelers should not move on from Terrell Edmunds

While he was clearly the weak link in the secondary, it is important to remember he has only finished his second year in the league. He was raw coming out and has shown improvement, although it has not been as big of a jump as you’d like to see.

He has started 31 of 32 possible games since being drafted. After being drafted it was expected he would have time to learn with Pittsburgh signing Morgan Burnett in free agency and was expected to be the starter.

After Burnett was hurt, Edmunds was thrust into the starting spot permanently to date. This resulted in a trial-by-fire begin to his career.

Being a raw prospect, this is a less than ideal situation for both the team and player. Although it is not an excuse for a player selected in the first round, it certainly plays a part in the development of said player.

Edmunds did finish second on the team in tackles (105) behind 2019’s first-round pick Devin Bush (109). He has improved as a tackler over the last year as he had just 78 in 16 games in 2018.

His tackling is the least of his worries when it comes to his role as a player as it does little to make up for his coverage. His lack of splash plays is what is frustrating and will need to be fixed.

Edmunds turns 23 on January 20th and that plays to his advantage. He has two more seasons, at least, before his contract is up so he has time to show he deserves a second contract here.

The biggest and most simply explained reason for not moving on is money. According to OTC’s cap calculator, cutting Edmunds this off-season actually loses the Steelers around $2.2M in cap space.

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