Buffalo Rumblings
It’s fair to say Edwards never lived up to the free-agent contract he signed this past spring
The Buffalo Bills announced they have released safety Mike Edwards, just hours ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Edwards made appearances in just three games for the Bills this season, totaling one tackle.
Edwards’ opportunity was perhaps leveled early on thanks to multiple injuries that prevented him from making meaningful contributions in the offseason. When he was finally healthy, safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp had earned starting roles — which left Edwards on the outside looking in.
It was widely believed that Edwards would have a key role on Buffalo’s defense this season, but for whatever reason, he was never able to impress coaches enough to gain time on the field. In recent weeks, Edwards was observed “liking” comments on social media that played to the frustration by fans not seeing him suit up. Things apparently boiled over to such a degree that Edwards this week asked One Bills Drive to release him.
Tom Pelissero pointed to Edwards’ request earlier in the day on Tuesday:
In signing one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Bills, Mike Edwards was paid a $1 million signing bonus, with $600,000 of his base salary being guaranteed. Edwards also was to receive $30,000 per game for each game-day active designation.
In breaking down the details of Edwards’ contract with Buffalo, it was noted how One Bills Drive gave him a bigger deal than safety Jordan Poyer received from the Miami Dolphins.
In that linked article, Matt Rich Warren reported the following financials about Mike Edwards’ contract:
2024
Signing bonus: $1 million
Workout bonus: $50,000
Per-game active bonus: $30,000 per game up to $510,000 ($510,000 LTBE)
Base salary: $1.24 million ($600,000 guaranteed)
Total cash: $2.8 million
Dead cap if cut: $1 million (if he’s signed by another team)
Interestingly, there could still be a path to Edwards signing back with the Buffalo Bills as a member of their practice squad.
