Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Terrell Edmunds just wrapped up his fifth season and is once again facing contract negotiations. He inked a one-year deal with the Steelers just before the 2022 NFL Draft and it is set to expire.
There are numerous Steelers facing free agency this season and the speculation and optimism have begun from the fans. For his part, Edmunds has made it known that he would like to return to the team.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
He was asked what he is hoping for from Pittsburgh or from another team. Edmunds downplayed expectations, but made it clear he would love to stay a Steeler:
“Not really expecting anything, going into it head first. Whatever happens, happens. I have been through a lot, I know the ups and downs of it, I know everything that goes with it. Whatever happens, hopefully, happens in everyone's favor and we can come to a mutual agreement.”
Edmunds also spoke about waiting around during OTA’s last season, fielding questions from players and the media, and constantly having to say there was no news. He said that it isn't just humbling, but it teaches you some lessons:
“When you get opportunities, just jump up for them. When I had the opportunity to come back to the Steelers, that's what I jumped up for. I knew the guys, I knew the team and everything that came with it. Coming back this year was great, coming back with all my guys - everyone I played with for five years, it was amazing, we had a great time.”
Edmunds also talked about how much this team and the organization mean to him:
"We just got that bond, we've been here for five years together and we've been here just growing together as teammates on the field, off the field. You can't fake those relationships, it's all pure. When you have those pure relationships, you want those to continue on or off the field."
Prior to the bye week, the whole world seemed to be certain that head coach, Mike Tomlin would have his first losing season, and while no one is calling it "rebuilding," it is pretty clear that is exactly what is being done during this new era in Pittsburgh.
The media, and many fans, had counted the team for dead, but they rose up and did everything they needed to do to make the playoffs, losing the spot because the Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets. Edmunds said he does not take being a part of that lightly. He spoke about how that adversity draws you closer together and when asked how much this specific team means to him, he had this to say:
"It means everything. Just going back from when we were 2-6 when people were counting us out, we were 2-6 and people said our season was over, but in the locker room, you could feel the energy, you could feel the drive and passion and when we were working out there on the field, no one thought the season was over.And then this last game we played, we were all on the field, we're winning by two touchdowns and we see it was 9-6 and were like man, it's our last rodeo, so what are we gonna do? Let's go out there and play together, put it all out there and get Coach Tomlin this winning season again and let's just put it out there as a team and show them who the Pittsburgh Steelers really are.
I think that shows about the team, a team that climbed from 2-6, climbed out of a hole, and just stayed together and never quit. I think that's big, it shows about the organization, about the team, about the coach, about everything."
Steelers’ Terrell Edmunds Possibly Bringing His Little Brother?
Finally, Edmunds was asked about the possibility of getting his little brother Tremaine over to the Steelers. The Steelers are known to love having brothers on the team and Edmunds already played with one brother, Trey. Tremaine currently plays with the Buffalo Bills as a linebacker and all jokes aside, he definitely fits a need on the Pittsburgh defense.
As it stands right now, Robert Spillane, Devin Bush and Marcus Allen are all free agents. While it seems likely the team will keep Spillane, who had shown improvement, the thought of having someone as strong as Tremaine is enticing. Apparently, that is not just from a fan perspective, Terrell loves the idea of making game day easier on his folks too:
“I think I can make a package deal just for my family, you know they are split up for games and everything. To get my mom and dad to come to one home base every week, I'd do that just to get the package deal.”
The three Edmunds brothers - Terrell, Tremaine and Trey from Steelers.com
Do you think the Steelers should re-sign Terrell Edmunds? Is there any scenario you can envision where the Steelers acquire Tremaine from the Bills? Click to comment below.
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