By Nick Athan
With their second free agent signing of the day, the Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran safety, Mike Edwards to a one-year, $5M max contract.
The former Tampa Bay defender had a very successful career in Tampa Bay. As the Buccaneers starting safety in 2022, the highly rated safety amassed 82 tackles, one sack (ironically against the Chiefs), and two interceptions. The 26-year-old defender has been a playmaker his entire career with Tampa Bay. In four seasons in the NFL, all with the Bucs, he started 58 games.
The #Chiefs are signing former #Bucs S Mike Edwards, source said. Coming off his best season with 82 tackles and two picks, he now lands in KC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs were looking for a new safety after, Juan Thornhill, signed a 3-year, $21M contract with the Cleveland Browns. Like they did earlier in the day with Los Angeles Chargers Linebacker, Drue Tranquill, General Manager, Brett Veach, prefers shorter contracts. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs converted $12 million of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 2023 roster bonus into a signing bonus, creating $9.6 million in cap space.
His signing comes as the Chiefs initially reached out to Philadelphia Eagles free agent safety, C.J. Gardner-Johnson. However, his contract demands were closer to those of what the Browns gave Thornhill, and Kansas City moved on to their next target. Already one of his former players, Logan Ryan showed his thoughts about what Chiefs fans can expect from Edwards this season.
That’s real, coming from one of the best! Appreciate you Lo! ✊🏽 https://t.co/OLh0mtWaEo
— Mike Edwards (@M__Edwards7) March 17, 2023
