One of the more under-the-radar free agent signings the Chiefs made during the offseason was safety Mike Edwards.
This is Edwards’ second stint with the team after spending 2023 in Kansas City. That season he appeared in all 17 games and made five starts, recording 51 total tackles (two for loss), one sack, one interception, five passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries — one of which he returned 101 yards for a touchdown.
That marked one of Edwards’ best years of his career. He has had a knack for making plays on the ball throughout his six seasons in the NFL, amassing eight interceptions, 27 passes defensed, and four defensive touchdowns. During training camp practice on Tuesday , Edwards intercepted a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes that was intended for tight end Travis Kelce (H/T McKenzie Nelson).
Edwards explained what he saw that enabled him to pick off the pass, and mentioned that always being around the ball is how he’s made a living as a player.
“Just being in the right place at the right time,” Edwards said of his playmaking abilities. “Hitting on my keys, just trying to make plays and be around the ball as much as possible. That’s how I made a living for being in the league — just being around the ball. That’s what I plan on doing this year.”
“Read my keys and saw Pat (Patrick Mahomes) load up, I kind of expected an overthrown ball, which he did, and I just caught it,” Edwards continued. “Had to come up with it. Good play.”
The Chiefs were middling in the interceptions department during the 2024 season, tied for 16th in the league with 13. For comparison, the Minnesota Vikings ranked first with 24. While K.C. wasn’t poor at forcing interceptions last season, there’s room for improvement there. Perhaps that’s where Edwards can be the biggest difference maker for the defense in 2025. With the amount of great QBs the Chiefs will be facing, snagging more interceptions will be vital.
