Man of Steel: Former Steelers Safety Terrell Edmunds Brings Experience and Leadership to the Eagles’ Secondary

Another day, another safety signing. The Eagles have been very active after losing defensive backs Marcus Epps (Las Vegas) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Detriot) in free agency, and rightfully so. A once unclear secondary is slowly coming into focus. Yesterday, Philly signed former Steeler Terrell Edmunds to a 1-year deal. Edmunds brings experience and leadership to the Eagles secondary.

Potential 1st Round Talent

Terrell Edmunds was selected in the first round (28th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ironically, he was drafted 1 pick after running back Rashaad Penny, another low-risk, high-reward signing by the Birds this offseason. Edmunds is a freak athlete, which is why he was drafted so high. Take a look at his performance at the Combine.

A Starter Stronger Than Steel

Edmunds started 75 of 79 games for the Steelers over 5 seasons. According to statmuse.com, Edmunds recorded 392 total tackles, 5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 5 interceptions as a starter. 70 of those tackles along with 2 of those sacks came in 2022 alone.

Unlike fellow safety Justin Evans, Edmunds never missed a game due to injury until last season where he missed 2, one in Week 5 against the Bills (concussion) and another in Week 16 against the Raiders (hamstring). He has been a reliable starter during his 5 years in the league and he’s only 26 years old.

He’s Good, But Can He Be Great?

According to pff.com, Edmunds ranks 38th overall among 101 safeties in 2022. Good, but not great. He ranks lower than Marcus Epps but, interestingly enough, higher than C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Edmunds has never been selected to the Pro Bowl, but has consistently gotten better over his career. The Eagles expect him to be a reliable starter with high upside.

The Eagles Value Versatility

Like Justin Evans, Terrell Edmunds brings versatility to the Philly’s secondary. While technically a strong safety on paper, Edmunds has experience playing in the box as hybrid linebacker. He’s also able to play free safety and in the slot. New Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Sean Desai, can line Edmunds up in variety of formations and disguised blitz packages.

“Playing safety, you have to be able to do a lot of things. You have to be in the box and be physical and support the run. You have to be able to cover in the post and run and do all those things in space. You have to communicate to the cornerbacks and make sure everybody is in the right position and on the same page. There’s a lot going on and that’s why I love it.” – Eagles Safety Terrell Edmunds

With the Edmunds signing, the Eagles now have five safeties under contract: Terrell Edmunds, Reed Blankenship, K’Von Wallace, Justin Evans, and Andre Chachere. Edmunds is likely to start the 2023 season alongside Blankenship and star cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry. The Birds hope Edmunds will prove to be a leader on and off the field. Unlike some players (CJGJ I’m looking at you), Edmunds is excited to be in Philly, and the City of Brotherly Love is excited to have him!

“Just talking and learning about the culture of the Eagles and everything that the Eagles stand on, that’s something that I really fell in love with. Just going out there and having that dawg mentality. Just putting everything out there on the line for the person beside you and just playing together as one. I think that’s something that really drove me to come here.” – Eagles Safety Terrell Edmunds