ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Following their playoff defeat at the hands of the Chiefs for the third time in four encounters in January, safety Mike Edwards is eager to contribute to a revamped secondary that he hopes will propel the Buffalo Bills further in their postseason aspirations.
Bringing with him the valuable experience of winning two Super Bowls, Edwards finalized a one-year deal with the Bills on Wednesday.
Expressing his optimism during a Zoom conference call, Edwards acknowledged Buffalo’s proximity to success, recognizing their formidable team and talented quarterback. He believes he can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap to achieving their goals.
With safety being a priority for Buffalo this offseason, the team faces a new chapter after relying on the same starting duo, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, for the past seven seasons. Hyde’s free agency status and contemplation of retirement, coupled with Poyer’s departure to AFC East rival Miami, signal a changing of the guard.
Acknowledging the legacy left by Hyde and Poyer, Edwards aims to uphold their standard while contributing his own strengths to the team’s defense.
Edwards now has the opportunity to form a fresh partnership with Taylor Rapp, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, entering his second season with the Bills.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, Edwards showcased his versatility with the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs last season, recording notable statistics including an interception and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His consistent performance earned him starts in all four playoff games, including the pivotal divisional round victory over Buffalo.
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Having spent his initial four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he also clinched a Super Bowl title in his rookie year, Edwards brings a wealth of postseason experience to the Bills.
Drafted in the third round in 2019, Edwards has established himself as a dynamic playmaker, tallying eight interceptions, three of which resulted in touchdowns, along with five fumble recoveries and three sacks in his 75 career games, with 28 starts.
His impact extends to the postseason, where he has contributed three interceptions in 11 playoff appearances. Notably, his four defensive touchdowns since 2021 are among the league’s highest, trailing only Dallas Cowboys’ DaRon Bland.
With Edwards’ arrival, the Bills are banking on his championship pedigree and playmaking abilities to fortify their defense and make a deeper push in the postseason.
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