How New Safety Mike Edwards Fits With The Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills waited out the early rush of free agency and have added a position of major need in signing former Chiefs safety Mike Edwards to a one-year deal.

How Does Mike Edwards Fit With The Buffalo Bills?

There’s no denying that safety is a position that’s undergoing plenty of scrutiny on the Buffalo Bills roster after the Bills parted with their longtime duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. The signing of veteran Mike Edwards helps shore up the defensive backfield with a versatile player with plenty of meaningful experience, including starting for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl LVIII and with the Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.

Edwards has positional flexibility and is a true split safety. According to PFF, Edwards lined up with 146 snaps as a box defender, 102 snaps as a slot corner, and 346 snaps as a free safety in 2023. Edwards looks to be the primary free safety in the Bills defensive backfield heading into 2024.

Mike Edwards Career Statistics And Play Style

Edwards has appeared in 75 games over five seasons, logging eight interceptions, four defensive touchdowns, one forced fumble, and five fumble recoveries. Edwards’ four defensive touchdowns since 2021 are tied for the second-most in the league.

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A truly fluid and versatile defender, Edwards has shown strong ball skills when it’s in the air and seems to finish each play around the ball. He’s capable of assisting in run defense but shines in pass defense. Last season, Edwards ranked seventh out of 66 safeties in reception percentage allowed and was 4th out of 91 safeties in Total EPA.

How Mike Edwards Signing Impacts Bills 2024 NFL Draft

Signing Edwards was a good get for 2024, and perhaps Buffalo will be inclined to extend him beyond this year. He’ll be 28 years old when the season starts, and likely still has several years of production ahead of him.

Even if that’s the case, Buffalo still could use a high-upside young player to anchor the back of the defense. Edwards and Taylor Rapp are likely the starting duo for 2024, which is a duo that offers plenty to be happy about, and it likely means Buffalo shouldn’t feel the need to reach for a safety in the draft. That said, Buffalo still should look to draft depth at the position in the hopes of lining up a succession plan.

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