The Kansas City Chiefs have released veteran safety Mike Edwards shortly before the start of the 2025 NFL season, according to reports. Edwards, age 29, is a two-time Super Bowl champion who previously won the Vince Lombardi Trophy with both Tampa Bay and Kansas City.
Edwards played a role in the Chiefs’ most recent Super Bowl victory in Las Vegas in 2023, joining teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on a roster that secured back-to-back titles. He had returned to Kansas City in April but was informed of his release ahead of this season, as reported by NFL Network.
Teams are required to reduce their active rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Head coach Andy Reid made the decision to release Edwards before the Chiefs’ season opener against the Chargers in Brazil scheduled for Sept. 5.
Edwards entered the NFL after being selected in the third round of the 2019 draft by Tampa Bay. He earned his first Super Bowl title as a member of the Buccaneers team led by Tom Brady when they defeated Kansas City in Super Bowl LV.
After remaining with Tampa Bay until the 2023 season, Edwards moved to Kansas City and then split his time between Buffalo and Tampa Bay during 2024 before returning to the Chiefs this offseason.
Earlier this month, Edwards said: “Look at the organization (…) Anybody would be excited to play for this organization. So any time I get a chance to play here, I love it.”
He also discussed his interest in taking on greater leadership responsibilities following Justin Reid’s departure to New Orleans: “I’m trying to take on that role now, wherever they may (need someone) to take on a leadership role (…) I feel like everybody can be a leader in that room but being an older guy, (I) try to take on that role (to) help out the young guys as much as possible.”
Edwards’ release comes as teams finalize their rosters ahead of opening week.
