It looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft a safety with their 20th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After all, it was one of their positions of need coming into today.
However, the team decided to bring back Terrell Edmunds on a one-year deal.
Steelers announced they officially signed S Terrell Edmunds to a one-year contract.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2022
The Steelers drafted the former Virginia Tech standout in the first round of the 2018 draft.
This offseason, the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals showed interest in bringing him in.
But the 25-year-old defensive back decided to return to Pittsburgh for $2.5 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
That amount is a steal for the team because he would have earned $6 million if the Steelers picked up his fifth-year option.
Instead, Pittsburgh retains a serviceable safety that gives them stability on their pass defense.
Aside from drafting a safety, the Steelers were interested in bringing in Tyrann Mathieu.
While getting the All-Pro would make their defense more formidable, he will come at a high price.
Altered Draft Options For The Steelers
With the Steelers addressing one of their glaring needs, Pittsburgh can opt to draft the best player available with their first-round pick.
They could draft a wide receiver even after they claimed Miles Boykin off waivers.
Having another target will help Mitchell Trubisky navigate the offense better.
Likewise, the Steelers could also draft an offensive lineman to fortify the protection around their play-caller.
Pittsburgh could also stick with their strategy and draft a safety.
That way, Edmunds becomes a bridge option, and he gets to showcase his skill before potentially hitting the free-agent market again in 2023.
With one signing, the Steelers gained more flexibility regarding their draft options.
It’s an excellent call for general manager Kevin Colbert, who will be commanding his final draft for the Steelers.
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