Just in; Steelers Urged to Bring Back Former 1st Rounder During 2024 Offseason
There is a lot going on for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2023 NFL season.
Most of the focus was on the team’s quarterback play and offensive drills, but the defense also struggled. The defense has struggled with consistency, with faces frequently changing in the lineup, in part due to injuries and the suspension of Damonta Kazee.
According to Mark Caboli of The Athletic, the problem is one that can be easily avoided at one position. In an article with Mike DeFabo discussing the Steelers’ offseason valuation, Kaboli said not re-signing Terrell Edmunds was a big mistake for Pittsburgh.
Parker Abate of Steelers Nation believes this is a mistake the team should not repeat in 2024. Discussing his thoughts on Kaboli’s mistakes in 2023, Abate said it would be wise for the Steelers to try to bring Edmunds back in 2024.
Edmunds’ 2023 contract is only worth $2 million. That means he would be a relatively inexpensive option that could give the Steelers some depth in 2024 after Patrick Peterson and Eric Rowe are tied in 2023. 2023 Steelers injury woes
Heading into the 2023 season, the Steelers have dealt with a significant void on defense all year.
Alexander Kwon ruptured his Achilles tendon. Cole Holcomb’s season ended with a knee injury.
Keanu Neal went on the IR with a rib injury in Week 11 and did not return. Minkah Fitzpatrick missed seven games with two injuries.
T. J. Watt missed the most important game of the year. He suffered a knee injury in Week 18 and missed the playoff game against the Bills.
Cameron Hayward didn’t miss a beat, but revealed after the season that he was sidelined with a serious injury. All of those injuries, along with Kazi’s suspension for the final three games of the regular season, often left the Steelers on the defensive side of things.
Edmunds helped his previous team.
When he ultimately failed to return to the Steelers, Edmunds went to the Philadelphia Eagles for one year. He hasn’t been with the Eagles all year as they sent him to the Titans as part of the trade for Kevin Byard.
Edmunds had a solid role in Tennessee, recording 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his first eight games with the team. In the ninth game, he helped his former team advance to the playoffs.
The Steelers entered Week 18 on Sunday knowing they would have to lose to the Jaguars or Bills to make the playoffs. The Jaguars traveled to Tennessee to play the Edmund Titans.
In the game, Edmunds had five tackles and a pass defensed, but more importantly, caught a pass from Trevor Lawrence in the first half to give the Titans a 21-10 lead. The Titans won 28-20, sending the Steelers to the playoffs.
He now returns in free agency and could be a nice boost for his former team after contributing to the 2023 playoffs on a different roster.
