How safety Mike Edwards looks to make most of second chance with the Chiefs
In a seven-on-seven drill, Patrick Mahomes sailed a pass along the sideline over Travis Kelce’s outstretched arms. The ball didn’t hit the turf.
Behind Kelce was safety Mike Edwards, going to the ground for an interception, then getting to his feet for a return. Mahomes tried to dislodge the ball. Edwards didn’t let it happen.
“I saw Pat load up, and I kind of expected an overthrown ball, which he did,” Edwards said. “Good play.”
Edwards has several of those in the preseason during his second stint with the Chiefs. He helps complete the rotation at safety with starters Bryan Cook and Chamarri Conner along with Jaden Hicks.
The role is similar to the one he played as a member of the Chiefs in 2023. Edwards has signed with the Chiefs as a free agent after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he was part of the Super Bowl-winning team that defeated Kansas City in 2020.
He won another ring in Kansas City as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Edwards started that game. In the postseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, he collected an interception.
His regular-season highlight: a 97-yard fumble return for the game’s only touchdown in a Week 18 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.
After that season, Edwards signed with the Buffalo Bills and appeared in three games. He was picked up by the Tennessee Titans but didn’t play a game, before finishing the season back in Tampa Bay.
To hear it from Edwards, there was only one place he wanted to be.
“It’s a big, big thing to be a part of the Chiefs,” Edwards said. “I love being here. Anyone would be excited for a chance to play for this organization.”
Edwards has said that even when he was away from the Chiefs last season, he stayed in contact with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and was hopeful for a reunion.
It happened partly because the Chiefs sought a veteran to replace Justin Reid, a team leader who signed with the New Orleans Saints after last season.
“J-Reid was that guy,” Edwards said. “Communication, vocal leadership, leader by example, everything. We definitely miss him. I’m trying to take on that role now.
“I’m kind of the older buck in the room now. ... They call me everything — ‘Old head, OG’ — and I’m like, I’m not even 30 yet.”
This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 3:50 PM.