Insider: Veteran Bills Safety Requests Trade Amid Disappointing Start

Initially seen as a major offseason acquisition for the Buffalo Bills, veteran defensive back was expected to help fill gaps left by several departures. However, Edwards has struggled with injuries and has yet to make a significant impact, being listed as inactive for most of the season. Through eight games, he has appeared in only three, recording just one tackle.

Now, Edwards may be looking for a change. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Edwards has requested a trade to a team where he’ll have more playing time, and the Bills are reportedly open to fulfilling this request. “Veteran Buffalo safety Mike Edwards is available and would like to go somewhere he can play (he has been a steady inactive),” Fowler shared on October 30.

Mike Edwards Tumbled Down the Depth Chart

The Bills signed Mike Edwards in March, anticipating he would help fill the void left by veterans Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. At the time, CBS Sports suggested Edwards was a frontrunner for the starting role, especially as Hyde’s potential retirement and long-term neck issues left his return uncertain.

“After signing a one-year deal in March, Edwards has a good chance of starting at free safety with Buffalo having thus far not made an effort to re-sign longtime secondary mainstay Micah Hyde,” CBS Sports reported, noting that Edwards’ youth and health might make him the preferred option, even if Hyde were to return.

Edwards joined the Bills after a solid season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made a significant impact on their Super Bowl-winning team, recording 51 tackles, one interception, five pass defenses, and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.

However, Edwards’ time with Buffalo has been hampered by injuries. He missed early practices with a shoulder injury and suffered a hamstring injury just three practices into training camp, limiting his ability to establish a role on the field.

Bills Could Make Another Late-Season Move

The Bills might consider bolstering their secondary for the season’s final stretch and the playoffs. Sal Maiorana of the *Democrat & Chronicle* suggested that veteran Micah Hyde could return in a key late-season role.

Hyde, who has been with the Bills since 2017, expressed interest in potentially playing another season during the offseason. Maiorana noted that Hyde hasn’t ruled out a comeback and could be open to rejoining Buffalo.

“Hyde’s contract expired after 2023, but he has not filed retirement papers and is simply an available free agent,” Maiorana wrote. “He mentioned in the spring that if he decides to play again, it would only be for the Bills. If they aren’t interested, then he’s done. The Bills haven’t shut that door, so Hyde could potentially replace Edwards on the roster.”