3 directions Steelers could go at safety after losing Terrell Edmunds
By Tommy Jaggi
On March 23rd, Steelers fans received some disheartening news. Terrell Edmunds took to social media and bid the city of Pittsburgh farewell. With a contract with another organization likely in the works, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are left with a predicament in the safety position.
This isn't a time to panic. Pittsburgh has arguably the best safety in the league in Minkah Fitzpatrick, and they were able to retain Damontae Kazee on an affordable two-year deal during free agency. However, it's abundantly clear they could use depth at the position and potentially even a true starting strong safety. Here are three ways they could help fill the void.
1. Steelers could add a free agent safety
This is my favorite option of the three. Outside of Jessie Bates getting overpaid by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, the rest of the safety market has been extremely reasonable. C.J. Gardner-Johnson -- who had 6 interceptions in just 12 games last season with the Eagles -- earned just $6.5 million on his new contract with the Lions.
The good news is that there are dozens of quality safeties still available. Taylor Rapp is an available safety who could fill a very similar role. Rapp graded out as the 13th-best safety in the league last year, per Pro Football Focus, and would likely be an upgrade over Edmunds. His six picks over the past two seasons are more than Edmunds has in his five-year (79-game) career, via ESPN Stats.
Another option is former Browns safety, Ronnie Harrison. Though he missed most of the 2022 season on IR, he's a physical box safety who has been good in the past. Players like Keanu Neal, Nasir Adderley, or Josh Jones could also offer the depth that they need after Edmunds' departure.
Last year, the Steelers signed Edmunds just three days before the 2022 NFL Draft for $2.5 million. If Pittsburgh really wanted to match whatever offer he might have received this offseason, they probably could have, but going with a free agent might make more sense anyway.