Breaking News: Two-time Super Bowl champion lands with third team in two weeks

Breaking News: Two-time Super Bowl champion lands with third team in two weeks

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leaning into safety reunions this season. After re-signing Jordan Whitehead earlier this year following his stint with the New York Jets, the team has now brought back Mike Edwards. Edwards, who was waived by two teams recently, will return to Tampa via a waiver claim, as reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Edwards, a former third-round draft pick by the Buccaneers, previously played four seasons with the team before joining the Kansas City Chiefs last year. Known for his playmaking ability, including three career pick-sixes, Edwards has started 28 games in his NFL career. However, his recent performances with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans have been limited, leading to his release.

Edwards’ short time in Buffalo came as part of the team’s attempt to transition from their longstanding safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Despite the Bills’ initial interest, Edwards was overshadowed by the emergence of Damar Hamlin, who took over the starting role alongside Taylor Rapp. The Bills also selected Cole Bishop in the second round of the NFL Draft, further solidifying their safety depth. As a result, Edwards was released by Buffalo last week. Shortly after, he was picked up by the Titans but didn’t last long there either, as Tennessee waived him on Wednesday.

The timing of Edwards’ releases played a role in his availability. When the Bills let him go before the trade deadline, Edwards was considered a free agent. However, after the Titans released him post-deadline, he was subject to waivers, allowing the Buccaneers to claim him. With Tampa’s record standing at 4-6, the team took the opportunity to add depth to their secondary. Edwards, now 28 years old, will reunite with former teammates Jordan Whitehead and Antoine Winfield Jr. in Tampa’s safety room.

Edwards brings valuable playoff experience back to the Buccaneers. He was part of the team during their successful run with Tom Brady, contributing significantly to their postseason efforts. Last season, while with the Chiefs, he stepped up to replace an injured Bryan Cook in the playoffs and played nearly every defensive snap in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII victory. Despite these highlights, Edwards has struggled to find consistency in 2024. He signed one-year deals with both the Chiefs and Bills but played only a minimal role with each team. His most recent one-year, $1.13 million contract with Tennessee will now shift to Tampa Bay’s payroll, giving him another chance to revitalize his career in familiar territory.

During his initial stint with the Buccaneers from 2019 to 2022, Edwards served as a part-time starter. While he primarily operated in a rotational role, he managed to make a significant impact, including a standout performance in 2021 when he recorded two pick-sixes in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons. By 2022, Edwards had become a more consistent starter, lining up alongside Antoine Winfield Jr. for 12 games after the team allowed Whitehead to join the Jets. His return to Tampa comes after the Buccaneers re-signed Whitehead to a two-year, $9 million contract in March, solidifying their commitment to experienced players in the secondary.

This year, Edwards has had a minimal on-field presence, logging just seven defensive snaps. In contrast, he was a crucial contributor for the Chiefs last season, playing 621 snaps before the playoffs and starting three additional games during the postseason. His role culminated in a near-complete workload during the Super Bowl. However, his lack of playing time in 2024 signals a need for a fresh start, and the Buccaneers are betting that a return to familiar surroundings can help Edwards regain his form.

The Buccaneers’ current safety depth chart includes Tavierre Thomas and undrafted rookie Kaevon Merriweather as backups to Whitehead and Winfield. Edwards’ addition will bolster the team’s depth and could provide a veteran presence to complement the younger players. To make room for Edwards on the roster, the Buccaneers waived cornerback Keenan Isaac, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.

Overall, Edwards’ return to Tampa represents a low-risk move with potential upside. The Buccaneers are hoping that the combination of his previous success with the team and his familiarity with their system can help him rebound from a challenging year. As they look to strengthen their secondary for the rest of the season, Edwards’ reunion with Tampa Bay offers him an opportunity to contribute and rebuild his career.