Do Steelers Replace Terrell Edmunds With Kevin Byard?
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have only signed Damontae Kazee at the safety position this far, and judging from their efforts the last two years, chances are they have their sights set on another member of the secondary.
The Steelers loved to utilize their three-safety sets in 2023, and after years of searching for the right group of three, it's hard to believe they're moving past that set in 2023.
So far, Terrell Edmunds remains unsigned. The former first-round pick hasn't had much noise surrounding him on the open market, which could mean the Steelers will have another opportunity to bring him back for a cheap deal.
If they don't believe they'll land Edmunds again, there's a new name that's set to hit the market, that could offer some upside in comparison to their former veteran.
The Tennessee Titans tried to re-work Kevin Byard's contract, handing him a pay cut for his eighth NFL season. He declined, and therefore, it appears the two are headed to some sort of crossroads.
If Byrard is released, the Steelers could make him a priority. He's a year removed from his second All-Pro season, had four interceptions last season, and will be just 30 years old come the start of the season.
When it comes to the money, the Steelers will need to hope for a smaller deal. On the free agency market, no safety has signed for more than $16 million a year with Jesse Bates inking a massive four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Byard was set to make $19 million this season, but with the market being smaller than his deal with the Titans, chances are he's below Bates with his next contract.
The second-highest contract for a safety this offseason is Vonn Bell's at $7.5 million per year.
If the Steelers could sign Kazee to a two-year, $6 million deal and find a happy medium for Byard between Bate's and Bell's contracts, they could be looking at two safeties for with a price tag just over $10 million this season.
Is it the easiest player to say has been added to the Steelers' wishlist this offseason? No. But Pittsburgh has surprised fans with reports claiming they've worked with left tackle Orlando Brown and inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
Clearly, Omar Khan wants to make some noise on the open market. So far, he's done that at inside linebacker and cornerback. If Byard gets released, it's much hard today to say they wouldn't pursue him than it was a week ago.
If Pittsburgh is looking for one final splash in free agency, the safety position has a prime candidate.
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