3 expected starters Steelers could replace after 2022

Steelers could replace Terrell Edmunds

For a while, it looked like Terrell Edmunds was about to be replaced this season. He lingered in free agency for weeks after the Steelers declined his 5th-year option before returning on a 1-year, $2,537,500 deal. Since being drafted 28th overall in 2018, Edmunds has had to push back against the idea that he was a major reach. While I do believe he was over-drafted, he has become a solid compliment to star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick the last two seasons.

The reason the Steelers picked him as early as they did can be explained with just one word: explosiveness. His combine was very impressive for a safety of his size, and his RAS (relative athletic score) was one the best in his class.

Edmunds was not a great cover player in college, but the Steelers took a chance on him hoping his athleticism would allow him to improve in coverage. If nothing else he profiled as a great run defender who could allow someone else to handle difficult coverage assignments.

The early returns were mixed, to say the least, but he has turned into a quality starter over the past two seasons. Despite that, the fact he only received a 1-year deal tells me they aren’t sold on him being the answer next to Minkah long term. If he can make another leap this season, he could be in for a nice raise and a longer contract. If he is just average again, he could be looking for a new team at just 26 years old.