The grass always looks greener on the other side, but sometimes that’s because it’s artificial grass. It’s not the real deal, and nowhere near as fun to enjoy a picnic with your family.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing all their attention this week on preparing for their crucial game against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium, and for good reason.
Yet another must-have storyline for the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. Three straight weeks of circumstances like the playoffs must have bolstered the Steelers’ resolve and bodes well for the future of the extremely young and talented roster.
Lost among all the playoff storylines and hype is the reality that Sunday could be the last game wearing a Steelers uniform for many of the pending free agents on the roster. The Steelers have some interesting decisions to make this offseason on some valuable contributors, including some starters.
Terrell Edmunds is one of those decisions about a current starter on the verge of becoming an unrestricted free agent, and I think he should be a priority tier one target.
A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. The Steelers know exactly what they have in Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds is consistent, reliable and durable. What it isn’t is splashy or flashy. Edmunds brings zero drama to the equation, on or off the court. However, his team-first mentality led him to do an inadequate job of promoting his own brand. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, but Edmunds seemingly resists that temptation. His reserved and respectful demeanor is the opposite of self-promotion, which I find refreshing.
Edmunds has shown consistent improvement at every stage of his career, and he’s had arguably his most consistent season this year, in my opinion. The remarkably resilient Edmunds has missed two games this season due to injury and has been badly missed on both occasions. Although this reality may be difficult for the casual observer to comprehend, especially in this society obsessed with statistics and highlighting the reel.
Edmunds’ stats in 2023 have been pretty mundane, but his impact on the Steelers defense has been substantial. He was credited with 65 total tackles in his 14 starts, 35 of them solo. He has one sack and 4 pass breakups on his tally. Not much to write home about at first glance.
There are criticisms of Edmunds, and the loudest like to point out his lack of splash play tendencies, and that trend has continued this season. He hasn’t recorded any outs, either by interception or forced fumble, this season. The inability to create turnovers is more about its skill and use than any physical shortcoming.
Edmunds is a solid safety with inside linebacker tendencies. He’s a classic safe, excelling at tight end and running back coverage, long a Steelers weakness before his selection in the 2018 first round. NFL Draft. He used his elite-level athleticism and exceptional speed at the position to limit long runs and yards after the catch, another problem for the Steelers before his arrival. Truth be told, it might not create a lot of splatter games, but it certainly helps prevent them.
As I mentioned earlier, Edmunds is an unselfish first team player. Willing and able to fill a variety of roles due to his versatility. It’s been a trend for Edmunds since his college days at Virginia Tech. I mentioned his versatility and selflessness in an article near the end of his rookie season, and the article was mentioned by Bleacher Report because they needed an article with a positive spin on his selection and performance. of rookie. I feel the same now as I did then – the Steelers need Terrell Edmunds.
His teammates love him, the coaches love him and the community loves him. Edmunds has a special bond with All-Pro safety partner Minkah Fitzpatrick. There is an underestimated trust factor necessary in any exceptional security tandem, one that normally takes a lot of time and effort to cultivate. Fitzpatrick is comfortable with Edmunds and the program, and as a result has had his best season yet.
Fitzpatrick is currently tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions on the season, many of them of the game-closing variety, with one game to go. Minkah appears destined for his third All-Pro selection. I think it would be smart for the Steelers to try to maintain that connection.
The simple truth is that Terrell Edmunds needs the Steelers, and the Steelers need Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds is more valuable to the Steelers than many other defensive projects, and he’s a perfect fit for the Steelers culture and community.
Some relationships are just meant to be. Edmunds was supposed to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Keep negotiations simple. Both parties find common ground and sign on the dotted line.
This offseason, the Steelers need to make Terrell Edmunds feel like a priority. Then come back to rebuilding the Steelers next championship roster.
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