Minkah Fitzpatrick Lauds Terrell Edmunds, ‘Wishes’ His 5th-Year Option Was Picked Up

PITTSBURGH — Minkah Fitzpatrick has hardly played next to any other safety other than Terrell Edmunds during his tenure in Pittsburgh.

Both young, developing players, Fitzpatrick and Edmunds have a certain rapport that can only come by playing with each other multiple seasons. This offseason, the Steelers picked up Fitzpatrick’s fifth-year option while Edmunds had his declined.

With nothing certain about this duo after the 2021 season, Fitzpatrick was asked about his thoughts on the Steelers declining Edmunds’ option after the team’s seventh OTA session on Tuesday.

“I wish they did (pick up) Edmunds’ fifth-year option,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s a great player. I love playing with him.”

Obviously, Fitzpatrick did not have a say in the move. However, Fitzpatrick notes that if this is their last season together, he wants it to be a great one.

“We’re going to go out this season and play our best,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s a great player. He’s a hard player.”

Edmunds’ option was primarily declined thanks to salary cap concerns. For Fitzpatrick, his third season with the Steelers is looking bright. After two straight All-Pro seasons, he does not see his role changing much. However, there is still pressure for Fitzpatrick to step up in a big way both on and off the field with multiple young players in the secondary.

“We’re a younger team this year,” Fitzpatrick said. “Stepping up in leadership, being more vocal, pulling guys aside, doing extra, is what I want to improve upon.”

The Steelers will be without Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton after both departed this offseason with the Steelers against the salary cap crunch. While Edmunds and Fitzpatrick are primed to be the starters, the Steelers have brought in Karl Joseph and Malik Hooker on free-agent visits. It would be no surprise to see the Steelers add to their safety room at some point before their Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills.