What convinced the former Chiefs safety to join Bills can be summed up in two words: “they won.”
Although the Kansas City Chiefs aim to achieve a Super Bowl three-peat, their efforts will not involve safety Mike Edwards. Recently meeting with the Buffalo Bills for negotiations, Edwards has ultimately joined forces with an AFC competitor by signing a one-year contract.
Last season, Edwards proved to be an asset for the Chiefs when he stepped up as a starter following Bryan Cook’s ankle injury. He exhibited his prowess in 17 matches and five starts by achieving impressive stats such as 51 total tackles, one interception, five passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries. In Week 18 alone, he returned one of the recovered fumbles impressively for a touchdown spanning across a length of about ninety-seven yards. Additionally noteworthy is that throughout all four playoff games including Super Bowl championship title game against their opponents then at that moment – San Fransisco forty-niners squad members where they triumphed over them with flying colours; thereby giving another showing off again while on duty which registered him some twelve (12) or so worth claiming accolades from fans also alike were recorded despite daunting opposition encountered most rounds within tightly contested match moments amidst tries made eminent enough!
Edwards conversed with journalists following the signing of his new contract in Buffalo and was questioned about what made him decide on joining the Bills. The 27-year-old had also met with the Indianapolis Colts, while keeping other teams under consideration according to Joel A. Erikson from The Indy Star.
Edwards responded with, “The culture.”
According to Edwards, he was convinced by the coaching staff’s emphasis on safety as a top priority for their team. He pointed out that both of the previous starters in this position had been with Buffalo for seven years. Additionally, he praised Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde – an All-Pro duo – describing them as “phenomenal” players.
He stated that those men were the benchmark – two of the greatest safety pairs in the league. His aim is to use their example and improve upon it… The key is being prepared to put in efforts from day one.
According to Chris Brown, the host of One Bills Live, Edwards will retain his No. 21 jersey while playing for Buffalo and this number was previously worn by Poyer who is now with Miami Dolphins. Hyde on the other hand seems undecided about retirement as he remains a free agent at present.
Mike Edwards earned a Super Bowl ring while playing for both the Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After starting his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for four years, Edwards joined the Chiefs on a one-year contract worth $3 million. Despite being selected by the Buccaneers in third-round of 2019 NFL draft, he earned his first championship ring when Tampa Bay secured victory over the Chiefs with a scoreline of 31-9 at Super Bowl 2021.
While playing for the Bucs, the Kentucky graduate participated in 58 games and was assigned to start on 23 occasions. He achieved a total of 184 tackles, captured seven interceptions including three pick-sixes, notched up twenty-one passes defensed with three fumble recoveries alongside one forced fumble.
Last season, the Chiefs added another Super Bowl ring to Edwards’ collection. According to an article by Jordan Foote in SI, general manager Brett Veach made a crucial decision in signing him. In Week 13 when Cook suffered an injury setback, he stepped up and played at least 97% of available defensive snaps during three out of five games. His performance peaked with eleven tackles during week fourteen’s defeat against the Bills. Now as fate would have it, he is officially part of that team for good!
Edwards conveyed his gratitude to the Chiefs Kingdom after sealing a deal with Buffalo. He expressed on X, “I appreciate everything! They didn’t hesitate in welcoming me and became my family! It will always hold a special place in my heart. Love forever โค๏ธ๐๐.”
Cook’s return as a starter alongside Justin Reid ensures that the Chiefs maintain their strong safety position. Additionally, they have Chamarri Conner, a fourth-round pick in 2023 and veteran Deon Bush available for depth. Nonetheless, Charles Goldman from AtoZ Sports pointed out that while Edwards proved to be an asset for Kansas City in 2023 season, his absence will certainly be felt.
Next season, the defensive lineup of Bills will be considerably altered.
Following Poyer’s release, which resulted in a cap space savings of $5.72 million for the Bills organization, Adam Schefter from ESPN announced that safety player Taylor Rapp had agreed to rejoin the team on a three-year contract potentially worth as much as $14.5 million.
Apart from Rapp and Edwards, the Bills have signed up Damar Hamlin and Kendall Williamson as their other safeties for next season. However, since Hamlin played only 30 snaps in the previous season, it looks like Edwards will most likely be chosen to start alongside Rapp. It’s worth noting that Williamson is currently on a reserve/futures contract.
According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Rapp at 26 years old has the potential to become “Poyer’s exact replacement.” Even though Edwards took Poyer’s number jersey, he aims to step into Hyde’s shoes.
Edwards explained that surrendering explosive plays can drastically shift the momentum of a game. Micah Hyde has effectively assumed the position of center fielder with his impressive range, and after studying his film extensively, Edwards believes he possesses similar qualities. He intends to patrol the backfield while monitoring opponents’ movements and attempting to anticipate their next move as well as contribute in various ways such as blitzing or playing man-to-man defense. His overarching goal is to maximize opportunities for impactful playmaking while minimizing chances for opposition’s big gains downfield.
