PHOENIX — Terrell Edmunds departed for Philadelphia a week ago to accept a 1-year, $2.85 million offer from the Eagles, but the Steelers tried to keep the 5-year starter with the team, but he decided to head across the state.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, general manager Omar Khan confirmed that the Steelers tried to keep Edmunds to help shore up their safety room after re-signing Damonate Kazee early in free agency. However, it seems that Terrell Edmunds chose to head to Philadelphia for a fresh start.
“We have a lot of respect for Terrell and he’s been here for five years,” Khan said. “You know, we were interested and had conversations with him. But he decided that the best thing for him was to pursue an opportunity elsewhere. But I’ve got a lot of respect for him and he’ll always be a Steeler. We had a lot of good talks with him and his agent throughout the process.”
With his departure, the Steelers kept their fluid discussions at the position continue. A day ago, Mike Tomlin guaranteed that they will add to the room either via free agency or the NFL Draft. However, Khan does not see the lack of ball skills Edmunds brought to the table as something that is a huge negative. They will look for different players in different spectrums and when they do so, they could look to add all different skill sets.
“We evaluate every guy differently. In free agency, you can want something, but you have to wait and see and make it for not only them but for us. But all of those things are important. And obviously, you’d love a guy that can get the ball,” Khan said.
He was not surprised by Edmunds’ departure, either. Khan and the team he assembled have contingency plans for every scenario, so the process continues to be fluid for them. Fans should expect the team to look into the market and potentially make an addition.
“It’s free agency. In free agency, they have the ability to sign and make bank anywhere else. I don’t know the exact details of his deal,” Khan said.
Now, Edmunds will play across the state. The Steelers have a hole to fill at safety even with Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick back. They lack true depth at the position. It could be added through a cheap free agent signing or the Steelers could look to add some quality safety play through the NFL Draft: