As of the moment, SS Terrell Edmunds remains a free agent. But based on his latest Twitter post, it doesn’t sound like he’s coming back to Pittsburgh. In a tweet sent Wednesday morning, Edmunds seems to be saying goodbye to the Steelers.
In the tweet, Edmunds thanks the city of Pittsburgh and says “you will forever be part of me and my journey.” He shared a collection of photos and videos over the years, including a shot of him playing against and alongside his family, brothers Tremaine and Trey.
The team’s first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Edmunds has never quite lived up to that top-pick billing but has proven himself to be a durable and available safety who has gotten better year-by-year. In 2022, Edmunds played in 15 games on his way to registering 70 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hits, five passes defensed and a fumble recovery. He played 886 defensive snaps in 2022 in addition to 187 more on special teams. For his career, he’s made 75 starts for the Steelers.
Signed to a one-year deal last offseason, Edmunds again hit free agency in 2023. The Steelers brought back safety Damontae Kazee, casting doubt on Edmunds’ chances to return. Now, it seems like he’s headed somewhere else. While Kazee returns, he’s not an ideal player in a 1,000-snap strong safety role and it’s a clear void that currently exists on the Steelers’ roster.
It’s a position the team will have to address but options in free agency and the draft are limited. The veteran safety market isn’t strong and this year’s draft class is weak without a standout player or quality depth. Taylor Rapp is arguably the best vet option, still only 25 years old, while someone like Alabama’s Jordan Battle would be a good fit on Day Two. The top name in the class is the Crimson Tide’s Brian Branch, a versatile defender with a high football IQ. Internally, backup safeties include Tre Norwood and Miles Killebrew, though Norwood isn’t a strong safety and Killebrew is strictly a special teamer. There’s also Elijah Riley, who saw brief action with the team in 2022.
We’ll update you if Edmunds officially signs elsewhere. Younger brother Tremaine Edmunds cashed in on mega-deal with the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason. Perhaps Terrell is poised to join him.
UPDATE (2:45 PM): Here’s Kenny Pickett reacting to Edmunds’ announcement.
