The Pittsburgh Steelers Desperately Need Another Ball-Hawk In Their Secondary To Pair Alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to move on from veteran safety, Terrell Edmunds, was questioned by many after the details of his new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles was announced. One-year, $2 million dollars. While Edmunds was most likely simply wanting a change of scenery, it does not change the fact that his presence will be missed. 

Furthermore, what exactly is Omar Khan's plan for depth at safety and cornerback for the rest of the offseason? While the lack of depth at defensive back will be answered sooner rather than later, fans can expect the team to target a specific type of player to help fill the void left behind Edmunds—ball hawks, players who create turnovers. 

Edmunds was a number of positive things for the black and gold during his five seasons in Pittsburgh. He was a durable, physical safety who played well with All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, as the stats would prove, he was not a ball-hawk. With only five interceptions, zero forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, Edmunds never seemed to make the "splash" type of play. 

This lack of playmaking from Edmunds was perhaps the biggest reason why the team chose to sign fellow 2023 free agent, Damontae Kazee, to a two-year deal. Over the course of six-year career in the NFL, Kazee has compiled 14 interceptions and seven forced fumbles. He is not as effective compared to Edmunds in regards to tackling, but he more than makes up for it with his unique ability to find himself around the football. A true ball-hawk. 

Kazee is solid. If the season were to start today, he would be the favorite to start alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety. However, as Omar Khan has addressed, the Steelers are still looking to add quality players to the 2023 squad, 

"Free agency is not over. There's a lot of good players still out there and we will continue that evaluation process, and continue to have conversations with several guys," said Khan during a sit-down conversation with former Steelers' Offensive Lineman and current Sideline Analyst, Max Starks.

Available Ball-Hawk Free Agents For The Steelers

In addition to the Steelers electing to bring back Kazee over Edmunds, the signing of Patrick Peterson only further indicates the team's desire to create as many defensive turnovers as possible in 2023. Peterson has collected 34 career interceptions over the course of his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career, including five this past season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Combine his innate ability to be around the football with that of Minkah Fitzpatrick, who had six interceptions in 2022, and the Steelers may be well on their way to being one of the most dangerous secondaries in the entire NFL. AFC North quarterbacks, beware. 

At this point in the offseason, there is not a plethora of starting-quality players available. However, if the Steelers do indeed decide to add a veteran safety prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, John Johnson III may be a viable option. Johnson is coming off a strong season with the Cleveland Browns where totaled 101 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The 27-year-old has 12 career interceptions during his time with the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns. He fits the mold of a ball-hawk safety and may prove to be a cost-effective replacement for the loss of Edmunds. 

Possible Ball-Hawk Draft Prospects For The Steelers 

There is perhaps no better example of a ball-hawk in the 2023 NFL Draft than Mississippi State Product, Emmanuel Forbes. During his collegiate career, Forbes racked up an impressive 14 interceptions and six pick-sixes. Yes, you read that correctly. Forbes intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown six times, an FBS record. Does it get any more ball-hawk than this? He is a true play-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Forbes is scheduled to have a formal meeting with the Steelers over the next few weeks. 

Forbes' weight at 166 pounds is a bit concerning, but there is no denying that he would add an incredibly unique skill set to the defensive back room. He is a projected first-round pick who most likely be available at pick #17, and perhaps even at #32 with the Steelers' first of two second-round selections. As the current cornerback currently stands, Forbes would not need to come in immediately and start. Both Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace are the favorites to start in 2023, which would allow for Forbes essentially a "redshirt" year in which he could add on weight and perfect his craft.