The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make when it comes to free agent safety Terrell Edmunds. It looked like both parties were bound for dissolution when the Steelers declined  to pick up the former first-round pick's fifth-year option ahead of the 2020 season. But now, that's not so much a guarantee.

Edmunds' game has gone the way of the turtle over his first four seasons: slowly, but surely, he's improved each year.

And while that's not what you want/expect out of a first-round pick, Edmunds' growth is encouraging from both a football perspective and a business perspective.

Edmunds' best years could very well be ahead of him. And right now, he's not going to break that bank in regard to a contract. Edmunds' best year arguably came in 2021, where he finished with 89 total tackles, a career-high 8.0 TFLs, and tied career-bests in sacks (1.0) and interceptions (2).

There hasn't been any indication as to whether or not Edmunds will continue his career in Pittsburgh. And Mike Tomlin's recent comments didn't do anything to cause anyone to lean one way or the other, either.

"This is a guy [Edmunds] who has been ridiculously available to us not only this year but over the course of his career," Tomlin said. "He was a 1,000 snap defender as a rookie. I think that oftentimes we don’t talk enough about availability. Productivity wise, he did some good things there but availability is a big component of it.

“He is facing free agency and that is what free agency is. It’s free agency for us, it’s free agency for them and so we will see where the roads lead us. What I am appreciative of is what he has done here, and particularly his ability to be available.”

Classic Tomlin. The guy never gives anyone an inch when it comes to what he and/or the franchise is actually thinking. But I digress.

Regardless, all of the above is why it's rather surprising ESPN recently named Buccaneers free agent safety Jordan Whitehead as the perfect free agent fit for Pittsburgh.

In terms of Whitehead's individual role on the defense, it's a grand slam. Whitehead is a physical box safety who isn't afraid to insert himself into a play. He's a key cog in the Buccaneers run defense and even has some coverage skills at his disposal.

But in regard to overall team fit, Edmunds is the better choice.

For starters, he knows the system and many -including Minkah Fitzpatrick himself- know how good of a fit he is with his running mate in Fitzpatrick. As mentioned earlier, he's improved each year as he's become more comfortable with his role. Both intangibles are usually difficult to move away from.

But where Edmunds really separates from Whitehead is availability. Edmunds has missed just one game in his career, whereas Whitehead has missed five. Whitehead also had to leave the NFC Championship game early due to a torn labrum. He then missed the season-opener against Dallas due to a hamstring injury he suffered during training camp.

Whitehead's physical style of play combined with his size (5-foot-11, 198-pounds) is probably the catalyst behind his recent injuries. And while this is speculation, who knows if this is the sign of more injuries to come or if it's just the result of playing football.

In terms of cost, Edmunds should cost right around the same as Whitehead. Around $5-$6 million per year should be the ceiling for both players.

If both cost around the same, but there won't be any growing pains with Edmunds and if Edmunds has a better track record of availability, then why go after Whitehead? Obviously, the price tag matters, but Whitehead often chirps about his perceived league-wide lack of respect. One way to for NFL players to attain perceived respect is through their paycheck. So, there's definitely a chance Whitehead wants a big payday.

The Steelers have money, as well as other needs, so they can afford to spend money on Edmunds, if they want. They can also go after a plethora of top-flight free agents that fit bigger/more unknown needs. So to see Whitehead on this list is rather surprising at the end of the day. And that's simply because Edmunds appears to be the better choice of the two.

Featured image via-Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports