LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after a win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Steelers are urged to re-sign a former first-round pick in the offseason of 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced numerous challenges during the 2023 NFL season, with attention often focusing on quarterback performance and offensive coaching. However, the defense also encountered its share of issues, particularly regarding consistency, partly due to frequent lineup changes caused by injuries and a suspension for Damontae Kazee.
Mark Kaboly from The Athletic highlighted a specific positional mistake that he believes the Steelers could have easily avoided. In a discussion with Mike DeFabo about season grades for Steelers players, Kaboly emphasized the significant error of not re-signing Terrell Edmunds, a sentiment echoed by Parker Abate from Steelers Nation, who emphasizes the importance of rectifying this mistake in 2024.
Edmunds’ contract for 2023 was relatively modest at $2 million, suggesting that re-signing him would have provided the Steelers with affordable depth, especially considering the significant playing time given to Patrick Peterson and Eric Rowe at safety towards the end of the 2023 season.
Injuries plagued the Steelers’ defense throughout 2023, with key players like Kwon Alexander, Cole Holcomb, Keanu Neal, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt all sidelined at various points. Cameron Heyward also played through a major groin injury.
Despite not being retained by the Steelers, Edmunds found a role with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal before being traded to the Tennessee Titans for Kevin Byard. In his time with the Titans, Edmunds made significant contributions, including pivotal plays that indirectly helped the Steelers secure a playoff spot.
During a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where a Steelers playoff berth depended on a Jaguars loss, Edmunds’ performance against his former team proved instrumental. His interception of a Trevor Lawrence pass contributed to the Titans’ victory, ultimately securing the Steelers’ playoff position.
Now a free agent once again, Edmunds could potentially rejoin the Steelers, offering valuable contributions after indirectly aiding their playoff aspirations while playing for another team in 2023.
John Vaccaro, who covers the NFL for Heavy.com with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has extensive experience covering various sports leagues as an editor and writer for BroBible and FanSided.
