The Buffalo Bills made a notable roster move by releasing safety Mike Edwards after they were unable to find a trade partner before Tuesday’s NFL deadline.
Edwards, who was signed by the Bills as a free agent during the offseason, had expressed frustration with his lack of playing time. According to reports, he requested a trade several weeks ago after finding himself on the sidelines for most of the season.
Despite his pedigree, having won two Super Bowl titles—one with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021—Edwards struggled to carve out a significant role with Buffalo. He participated in just **three games** this season, and he has been inactive for the past **four weeks**.
When Edwards joined the Bills on a one-year contract in March, he was initially expected to contribute as a starting safety alongside Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. However, injuries derailed his preparation early on. Edwards missed most of Buffalo’s **spring activities and training camp due to physical setbacks, leaving him behind in the competition for starting spots.
As a result, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin emerged as the starters at safety, pushing Edwards into a backup role. His reduced role, combined with his frustration over a lack of opportunities, led to his trade request.
Before his time in Buffalo, Edwards had spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became an integral part of the secondary. During his tenure with Tampa Bay, Edwards contributed to the team’s success, including their victory in Super Bowl LV during the 2020 season.
His experience, including his Super Bowl triumphs, made him a valuable asset on the open market, but injuries and a lack of playing time in Buffalo ultimately prevented him from making an impact.
In addition to the release of Edwards, the Bills also made another roster adjustment by placing edge rusher Dawuane Smoot on injured reserve. Smoot, who was signed by Buffalo in the offseason, suffered a wrist injury during the Bills’ dramatic 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Smoot will require surgery to repair the injury, but he is expected to return later in the season once he’s fully recovered.
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Smoot had been an important depth piece on the edge for Buffalo, and his injury leaves the team with a hole to fill at the position, though McDermott’s statement suggests they are hopeful he will be back in action before the season concludes.
These moves represent part of the Bills’ ongoing efforts to manage their roster and make the necessary adjustments as they head into the second half of the season as they continue their push toward a playoff spot.
The release of Edwards and the injury to Smoot will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s depth chart, and it will be interesting to see how Buffalo responds with the trade deadline passed and the team still in the hunt for a championship.
