The Pittsburgh Steelers cut their roster down to 53 players ahead of the 2025 season, but there's still some retooling that could be done. Surprisingly, general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin elected to keep just three safeties on the initial roster, and more help is needed. That's where Terrell Edmunds comes in.
This is a name you probably haven't thought much about over the past few years. Edmunds, the Steelers' 2018 first-round pick, bounced around on four different teams since leaving Pittsburgh after the 2022 season. He even circled back to suit up in black and gold for five games last season.
This summer, the veteran safety tried to land on the Las Vegas Raiders' final roster, but to no avail. Edmunds was released and signed to Las Vegas' practice squad.
Now the Steelers could choose to poach their former first-round pick and place him on the 53-man roster. Considering their concerning lack of safety depth, that's not such a bad idea.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider poaching Terrell Edmunds for their 53-man roster
The Pittsburgh Steelers already have their 16-man practice squad in place, and if they attempt to steal Terrell Edmunds away from the Raiders, it will need to be to give him a spot on the active roster. Though this seems like a risky move for a safety that's bounced around in recent years, Edmunds knows the defense and can pick things up quickly.
Over his first five NFL seasons, Edmunds started 75 of 79 games for Pittsburgh. Admittedly, the results left a lot to be desired. Edmunds lacked in the splash play department and proved to be a bit stiff in coverage. But where he falls short in these areas, he makes up for with experience, versatility, and special teams ability.
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The Steelers don't necessarily need a starting safety. Those jobs will belong to DeShon Elliott and newcomer Juan Thornhill in 2025 (and Jalen Ramsey could even be in the mix for some safety action). What they do need, however, is a competent depth piece—a defensive back who could fill in at strong safety or free safety in a pinch. That's something Edmunds can offer.
Though Edmunds is entering his eighth NFL season, Edmunds is still just 28 years old and should have plenty left in the tank. With a long frame, tackling ability, and athletic traits, he could even carve out duties as a special teams gunner or defenseman for Pittsburgh, allowing him to wear multiple hats and earn his keep on the active roster.
Admittedly, there are more enticing options out there, and some that the team is already exploring. The Steelers are reportedly bringing back recently released veteran Chuck Clark after placing cornerback Donte Kent in IR (with a designation to return), and they could always choose to promote undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro from the practice squad to the active roster at some point.
However, Terrell Edmunds might be a sneaky option as the Pittsburgh Steelers' third safety, considering his experience and familiarity with the defense. Omar Khan should consider giving him a shot at redemption for the 2025 season.