BREAKING NEWS: Buffalo Bills add ball hawk with second most defensive TDs since 2021 (5 things to know)
The Buffalo Bills welcomed Mike Edwards for a free agent visit, ultimately signing him shortly thereafter.
At 27 years old, Edwards brings his experience from previous tenures with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs to Buffalo. He is expected to slot in as a starter alongside Taylor Rapp, though this could potentially shift depending on post-draft developments. Nonetheless, Edwards is poised for considerable playing time in the 2024 season.
With this signing, here are the key details to know about Buffalo’s newest addition at safety.
Bills had previous interest
Buffalo conducted thorough research on Mike Edwards during his time at Kentucky. Erik Turner of Cover1 disclosed that the Bills held a one-hour meeting with Edwards during the Senior Bowl in 2019. This indicates that Buffalo had significant interest in Edwards dating back to his collegiate career, highlighting their continued evaluation of his potential as a player.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73223974/1920765105.0.jpg)
Former third round pick
Mike Edwards was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, selected with the 99th overall pick. He spent four seasons with the Buccaneers from 2019 to 2022 before moving on to join the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.
Has won Super Bowls with his first two teams
Mike Edwards boasts an impressive record as a two-time Super Bowl champion. He was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV-winning team and later joined the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to their Super Bowl LVIII victory. Now, Bills fans are optimistic that Edwards will continue his winning streak with Buffalo, bringing his championship experience and expertise to the team.
Can be used in a variety of ways
Mike Edwards alignments this season…
▪️Box Defender: 146 snaps
▪️Slot Corner: 102 snaps
▪️Free Safety: 346 snapsA true split safety who fills a MASSIVE void in centerfield left by the departure of Micah Hyde 💪#BillsMafia 🦬 | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/SI1s3Dbna7
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) March 20, 2024
In Kansas City, Mike Edwards showcased his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between roles on the field. He effectively served as a box defender, slot corner, and free safety for the Chiefs, demonstrating his adaptability and ability to contribute across various positions on the defensive unit.
Ball hawk
Defensive TDs since 2021 (NFL) ⬇️
1. DaRon Bland – 5
2t. Mike Edwards – 4
2t. Darius Slay – 4
4t. Five Tied – 3 https://t.co/Rjrb0cKVv3— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) March 20, 2024
Mike Edwards has proven himself to be a playmaker, consistently making significant contributions on the defensive end. Since 2021, he’s been among the top players in terms of scoring defensive touchdowns, with only DaRon Bland surpassing him in this regard. In an interview with Maddy Glab of BuffaloBills.com, Edwards expressed confidence in his abilities, predicting that he would add two more touchdowns to his tally in the 2024 season. This demonstrates his belief in his knack for making game-changing plays and his determination to continue making an impact on the field.