5 safeties Steelers can sign to replace Edmunds if he leaves

Steelers may sign Collins

A name that I genuinely believe makes the most sense if Edmunds leaves is Landon Collins. The former early second-round pick has been a stout run defender to this point and does some great work when in the box. As well, he was cut this offseason, meaning that he won’t count towards the compensatory formula (although it seems unlikely the Steelers get anything next season based on their signings).

Where Collins has fallen off recently is in coverage. While he doesn’t have the best ability to cover one on one, he can serve as an option to cover tight ends if need be. That said, the more zone coverage he is in, the more of a liability he becomes. When in the box, he can make plays in the running game and as a blitzer though. He would serve in the role the Steelers typically like their strong safety to serve in.

While Collins is coming off a mega-contract, it seems unlikely he earns nearly that much in 2022. Instead, Collins could be signed to a moderate two-year deal to serve as a transitional starting strong safety as the team looks to develop someone else eventually. He plays like how the team wants their safeties to, and he would be a fine replacement for Edmunds if he ends up walking this offseason.

The Steelers have quite the situation brewing at strong safety right now, as it is the only spot on their defense without a secure starter. While the team may be trying to bring Edmunds back, assuming he opts to leave, these five current free agents make a lot of sense. Keep an eye on these names as free agency continues and the Steelers try to fill their last true defensive need.