Steelers retain strong safety Terrell Edmunds on 1-year, $2.5 million contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a starting player at every position on the field heading into the NFL Draft next week after strong safety Terrell Edmunds agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to reports.

NFL Network reported Friday that Edmunds will return on a contract worth $2.5 million. ESPN reported Edmunds elected to re-sign with the Steelers after receiving offers from the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals.

The 2022 season will be Edmunds’ fifth with the organization. Last spring, the Steelers elected not to pick up his fifth-year option that would have paid Edmunds $6.75 million this year. By having the option declined, Edmunds became a free agent in March.

Interest in Edmunds was tepid, and he remained unsigned a month into the free agency process. Edmunds, 25, was the Steelers’ top draft pick in 2018 and he started 60 of 64 games that he played in four seasons, missing just one game in the process. He had perhaps his best season in 2021 with 89 tackles, including a career-high eight for a loss. He also had two interceptions and six pass breakups.

General manager Kevin Colbert acknowledged a few weeks ago that the Steelers had starter-capable players at 24 of 25 positions, including specialists. Strong safety was the exception.

The Steelers still could target a safety with one of their seven draft picks, but it becomes less of a priority with Edmunds on board for another season.