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Former Georgia running back Daijun Edwards was 1 of 8 players released by the Pittsburgh Steelers before their practice on Monday, more than 24 hours before the NFL’s final roster deadline.
Edwards was released along with offensive lineman Tyler Beach, wide receivers Jacob Copeland and T.J. Luther, offensive tackle Devery Hamilton, defensive tackle Marquiss Spencer, linebacker Kyahva Tezino and cornerback Kiondre Thomas.
The #Steelers have released eight players before practice on Monday.
OL Tyler Beach
WR Jacob Copeland
WR T.J. Luther
RB Daijun Edwards
OT Devery Hamilton
DT Marquiss Spencer
LB Kyahva Tezino
CB Kiondre Thomas— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) August 26, 2024
Edwards went undrafted in the 2024 draft after playing for the Bulldogs from 2020-23 and being a part of 2 national championship teams.
Edwards’ breakout game at Georgia came in the 2020 regular-season finale when he rushed for 103 yards and scored his 1st career touchdown, helping the Bulldogs beat Missouri. Edwards finished the 2020 season with 218 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries. Edwards had 215 yards and 3 touchdowns on 49 carries during the 2021 season, helping Georgia win its 1st national title since 1980.
The 2022 season was Edwards’ best in Athens though. The standout RB rushed for 769 yards and 7 touchdowns, also catching 14 passes for 101 yards to help the Bulldogs repeat as national champs. In Week 6 of that 2022 season, Edwards rushed for 83 yards and 3 touchdowns to help Georgia beat Auburn. And in Week 9, Edwards rushed for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns in a victory over Florida.
The truth is, Edwards was always fighting an uphill battle to make this Steelers roster. The Steelers are going to be focused on running the ball this season with one of Justin Fields or Russell Wilson at QB, flanked by a solid RB room that includes Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
