Without 5th-year option, Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds ready to 'bet on myself' in 2021

Jun. 15—Terrell Edmunds has a chance to enter free agency a year earlier than expected given that the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't exercise the fifth-year option on his contract for the 2022 season.

That doesn't mean Edmunds is guaranteed to test the open market in March.

"Of course I'd love to come back to Steeler Nation," Edmunds said Tuesday on the first day of mandatory minicamp at Heinz Field. "They are the people that gave me the opportunity to come into the NFL and make all of my dreams come true. I'm definitely open to maybe next year we can make something happen.

"Right now, I've just got to bet on myself. That's what I'm doing, coming in, working hard every day and keeping my head on straight."

As the No. 28 overall pick by the Steelers in the 2018 draft, Edmunds had a fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract. NFL teams must decide before a first-rounder's fourth season whether to exercise that option, and the deadline to do so was in early May.

But while the Steelers picked up the $10.61 million option for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, they did not exercise it for Edmunds, whose option was worth $6.75 million.

Edmunds, speaking to reporters Tuesday for the first time this offseason, said coach Mike Tomlin called and informed him of the organization's decision.

"He told me that this doesn't mean business is over," Edmunds said. "He told me to stay motivated and come out here and do what I can. My emotions are it's my contract year now. Everything is on a whole new level. After this year, every game is like a job interview. You've got to bet on yourself, double down on yourself and put in the hard work."

Edmunds started 12 games last season when he totaled two interceptions and eight pass breakups — both career highs. He has started 43 of his 47 games over the past three seasons.

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter .