3 Steelers that need to see more time on the bench in 2021

With the Steelers barely staying afloat at 1-3, these three players need to see more time on the bench moving forward.

The Steelers as a whole are looking for answers after a bitterly disappointing 1-3 record. This defense has taken a step back and the offense has looked worse than it did to end last year. While the season is still young, the team is in desperate need of a facelift. Here are three Steelers that should see more time on the bench going forward.

Steelers Terrell Edmunds

Terrell Edmunds has quietly developed into a serviceable starter. No, he isn’t elite by any means, and his merits as a first-round pick are questionable at best, but he can be relied on to be an average box safety. This was apparent in week four, as he was soundly beaten by an elderly Randell Cobb for a touchdown, an indication of his struggles still in coverage.

While Edmunds shouldn’t be completely benched (he isn’t that bad), there is a chance he could face a reduced role. Karl Joseph is still on the practice squad, and the veteran offers more range as a strong safety. While a little less physical, he is better overall in coverage and could help patch up some of the Steelers’ current issues with stopping the pass.

Is he a notable upgrade over Edmunds? No, but Joseph would allow Edmunds to play closer to the line of scrimmage more often, which should play into his overall strengths. Adding Joseph to the roster and getting more creative with the three safeties (similar to how the team has used their edge rushers) could give this defense a new element that has to be planned for. At the very least, it would aid in improving this coverage unit.