PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's not a usual situation where you have a pair of first round picks at the same position from the same draft. That's where the Steelers are at safety. One they've committed to for the future and the other they haven't.
The reason for the strange situation is the trade for Miami's 2018 first round pick, Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019. It's been one of the best trades in team history as Fitzpatrick made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons in black and gold. The team committed to picking up his fifth year option, $10.61 million for 2022.
"Definitely a blessing to get that sigh of relief," Fitzpatrick said. "I don't have to worry about 'what if' for another two years. It's definitely a blessing. I'm happy that it happened. Going to make them proud of their decision."
The other starting safety, Terrell Edmunds, the Steelers first round pick in 2018, did not have his $6.75 million option picked up. Edmunds not made available to the media since the decision, but Fitzpatrick said of the move.
"It's a part of the game," Fitzpatrick said. "I wish they did (pick up his option). He's a great player. I love playing with him."
That doesn't necessarily mean Edmunds days as a Steeler are over, but he's without a contract for 2022.
"Whatever happens, happens," Fitzpatrick said. "It sucks. We are going to go after this season and play our best. He's a great player. He's a hard player. We are going to play hard no matter what."
Fitzpatrick finished second on the team in tackles in 2020 with Edmunds fourth (68). Fitzpatrick led the team with 4 interceptions, Edmunds third with two.
"We are both players that are willing to do what is best for the team," Fitzpatrick said. "We both could be all over the field doing whatever, but what is best for the team is what we are doing. We are buying into that playing to our strengths and team strengths is what makes us a really good pair."
Looks like they will only do that for one more season.
