Editor’s note: Leading up to a unique Pittsburgh Steelers training camp staged at Heinz Field this year, the Tribune-Review will be running through the team’s 90-man roster, assessing each player’s outlook for the 2020 season. The breakdown will go through the roster, in mostly alphabetical order, two per day, between June 9 and July 23, a day that was originally planned to be reporting day for players to camp. (Contract data courtesy of spotrac.com)
S TERRELL EDMUNDS
Experience: 3rd season
Contract status: $2,917,578 cap hit for 2020, signed through 2021 with Steelers able to pick up option next spring for 2022 season
2020 outlook: Edmunds will start his third season at free safety and second alongside All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Edmunds has been slow to display the flash shown by first-round picks, and this season is considered a crucial one for his development.
Bottom line: Edmunds finished second on the team with 105 tackles in 2019, which is no surprise for a box safety. But he was the only regular member of the secondary not to record an interception, and he didn’t force a fumble or recover one. The Steelers are looking for Edmunds to join the party this season.
RB TREY EDMUNDS
Experience: 4th season
Contract status: $825,000 for 2020, will be unrestricted free agent in 2021
2020 outlook: Edmunds was used mainly in a special teams role in 11 games after his October promotion to the 53-man roster. After failing to earn a roster spot last preseason, Edmunds will try to use his special teams play to carve out a role this season. With the Steelers drafting running back Anthony McFarland in the fourth round, that might be a tall order.
Bottom line: The Steelers like the versatility Edmunds displays. He had six tackles on special teams last year and intercepted a pass on a fake punt against the Los Angeles Rams. He also rushed for 73 yards on 12 carries against the Indianapolis Colts, proving he can be a useful runner in a pinch. Edmunds needs to keep expanding his role to keep his roster spot.
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