Five Interesting Facts to Know About Bucs’ Turned to be Chiefs New Safety Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards is an American football safety who now plays for Kansas City Chiefs in NFL. With the 99th overall selection in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose him after he played college football for Kentucky.

On March 20, 2023, Mike Edwards, a veteran safety who previously spent four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Edwards was a part of that squad, when the Buccaneers beat the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV in 2020. In 13 games played, he ended with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Mike Edwards caught the Chiefs’ attention as they were evaluating their depth at defensive back, particularly their safeties, after Juan Thornhill left for the Cleveland Browns this offseason.

The group did well last year and was crucial to the Super Bowl 57 victory. However, Mike Edwards is claimed to have developed into a star safety after Juan Thornhill’s departure from the squad in order to safeguard that form in the team’s pursuit of the playoffs.

Edwards’ success story from the University of Kentucky is a matter of pride for the state’s sports fans. Many Kentucky residents follow local heroes like him closely, and some even place wagers on their performances using betting apps for KY sports, which have grown in popularity in recent years among fans.

Without further ado, however, here are five facts about the 26-year-old safety that you should know.

1. Edwards ended four season run with Buccaneers

Edwards, who is 5 foot 10 and weighs 205 pounds, was selected 99th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, making him one of the last choices in the third round. During his first season, he went on to play in 15 games (with 7 starts), with 45 total tackles, six passes defensed, and one sack.

The next year, he played in all 16 games and although only playing 320 defensive plays, a career low, he still managed to pull in two interceptions. After that, Edwards intercepted three passes in 2021 while playing in 14 games (four of which were starts). This past season, he was given a bigger role, which led to 12 starts.

With 181 total tackles, 21 passes defended, seven interceptions, and two sacks, Edwards finished his four-year career with Tampa Bay.

2. His ballhawk skills have earned him two interceptions in the last three seasons

During his short football career, the aforementioned interceptions and the ensuing returns have been a cornerstone of Edwards’ style of play. In actuality, Edwards leads all NFL players in pick-sixes with three since the year 2020.

In one game, Edwards caught two passes from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and returned them both for touchdowns, giving him two of those scores. The next year, he scored once again, intercepting Jameis Winston of the New Orleans Saints and returning it 68 yards for a score.

3. His career-high starts came last season.

Last season, Edwards started 12 games for Tampa Bay, which was a career high. His 876 total snaps during the season (including the playoffs) also set a new record. He also used those opportunities well, with 82 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack.

4. Edwards mostly played free safety for the Bucs.

Last season, Edwards played the position of free safety for 476 of his total snaps, or 54% of his playing time. However, Edwards had considerable shots in the box (237) and at slot corner (108), demonstrating his versatility.

Edwards’ flexibility should fit well inside the Chiefs’ defensive strategy since defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is notorious for often using three (or even four) safeties on the field at once.

5. Edwards attended the University of Kentucky to play NCAA basketball.

During his four-year tenure with the Wildcats, Edwards never missed a game and played in 51 games with 44 consecutive starts. During that time, he made 318 total tackles and 10 interceptions, garnering All-SEC recognition three times (from 2016 to 2018).

After attracting Tampa Bay’s notice with his performance, Edwards is now making his way to Kansas City as the Chiefs prepare to defend their championship.