Steelers exit Tyrann Mathieu sweepstakes with latest move

The Pittsburgh Steelers are out of the Tyrann Mathieu sweepstakes after their latest free agent signing — Terrell Edmunds.

Edmunds is a former first-round pick in Pittsburgh, and has started 60 games for the black and gold. He will now enter his fourth season starting alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, barring any unforeseen activity in the NFL Draft or free agency.

The Steelers were thought to be players in the Tyrann Mathieu sweepstakes, but ultimately took the cheaper and more familiar option in Edmunds. The two sides agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, which is less than Mathieu is expected to receive, whenever he signs.

Pittsburgh drafted Edmunds 28th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has five career interceptions, 21 pass deflections, 12 tackles for loss, and 340 tackles with the franchise.

Are Steelers out on Tyrann Mathieu?

Pittsburgh has likely been out for quite some time.

While the Steelers flirted with that possibility, Edmunds knows their defensive system and offers more security for a defense going through enough change as is with new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

Because it’s only a one-year contract, Edmunds doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of the Steelers drafting a safety to develop long-term. It does mean they won’t maintain interest in Mathieu, who is older the Edmunds at this rate.

Mathieu still has several potential suitors, with the Saints and Eagles chief among them. His former team, Kansas City, appears to have moved forward already.