Steelers A to Z: Former Georgia RB Daijun Edwards looking to carve role in backfield

Editor’s note: From now until the first practice of training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2024 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 14 and July 25. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

RB Daijun Edwards

Experience/age: Rookie undrafted free agent, no NFL experience/Turned 23 in April

Contract status: $810,000 cap hit if he makes team in 2024

The past: Edwards was the leading rusher for Georgia in 2023 when he totaled 880 yards and finished second on the Bulldogs with 13 rushing touchdowns. That wasn’t enough for Edwards to get drafted, and he accepted an $18,000 bonus to sign with the Steelers.

The 5-foot-10, 201-pound Edwards encountered some familiar faces when he entered the Steelers locker room. Tackle Broderick Jones and tight end Darnell Washington blocked for him in 2022 when Edwards gained 797 yards rushing and scored seven touchdowns as Georgia won the national championship.

Daijun Edwards only needs a whole about thr size of an SEC referee's heart and he's gone pic.twitter.com/IKm6fqfBim

— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) March 2, 2024

For his college career, Edwards exceeded 2,000 yards rushing and scored 24 touchdowns. He was a four-year contributor.

2024 outlook: Edwards has a role model in backup running back Jaylen Warren, who went from undrafted free agent to making the 53-man roster in 2022. For Edwards to make a similar leap, he will need to open some eyes in training camp and the preseason.

The Steelers opened the 2023 season with three running backs on the roster, and Anthony McFarland lasted three games before getting injured. Veteran kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson doubles as a running back and would appear to have the upper hand as the No. 3 back this season.

The Steelers also signed two players with prior NFL experience in Jonathan Ward and La’Mical Perine. Aaron Shampklin is another player competing with Edwards for a roster spot.