4 reasons Steelers picking up Terrell Edmunds’ option is a no-brainer

Dupree’s cautionary tale

The similarities between Bud Dupree and Edmunds are almost identical here. Both players entered the league as athletic but raw options and struggled early on. By the time the Steelers picked up Dupree’s option, he was coming off an even more average year. He only registered 6 sacks the season before the team picked up his option and there were a lot of questions if he was worth the money he was set to earn.

It was safe to say that the team made a smart investment, as Dupree balled out with 11.5 sacks and was franchise tagged in the next offseason. Another solid year of play and now a likely third-round compensatory pick is what the team netted from Dupree, all because they saw he was improving and paid him accordingly. The team is in almost an identical situation with Edmunds, and they need to make the same investment in him that they made Dupree.

While Edmunds may not make the same elite jump that Dupree made, it would be logical that his play continues to improve. If that’s the case, he will be well worth the 6.75 million he would earn on the option year. Long-term, the team would have the franchise tag at their disposal, an extension if he really plays above his pay grade, or the option to let him walk after another solid year of play in free agency. Not picking up his option would be a huge mistake at this point.

While Edmunds was a disappointment before last season, he seems to be developing at a normal rate and his play should continue to improve. Picking up his fifth-year option is a safe choice to give him some more time to hit his peak as a player. While he may not breakout like Dupree did, his play should continue to improve. At this point, picking up his option is a no-brainer for the Steelers.