Bills Release Quarterback Trent Edwards
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Three weeks ago, Trent Edwards was the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback. Last week he got benched. And this week he is unemployed.
In a unexpected move Monday, the Bills (0-3) released Edwards, their 2007 third round draft pick out of Stanford in a move that comes just months after coach Chan Gailey said he saw “light at the end of the tunnel” with Edwards as a starter.
Edwards had a rocky career in his four years with the Bills, battling injuries, losing the starting spot to backup Ryan Fitzpatrick in two consecutive seasons and going 14-18 as a starter.
In his final game as a starter in Buffalo, Edwards completed 29 of 52 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before being replaced by Fitzpatrick.
Although it has been reported that other teams showed interest in Edwards during the offseason the Bills were not willing to let him go. This time around Buffalo couldn’t find anyone who wanted to make the trade.
According to ESPN, the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks are all interested in picking up the displaced QB. Since Edwards has only been in the NFL for four years he will enter the waiver wire and will most likely be claimed before the 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline, avoiding free agency.
Any of the NFL’s 32 teams can claim Edwards off waivers. The waiver order is based on team records for the first four games of the season or for the previous year if four games have not been played. In Edwards’ case, priority will be given to the team with the worst 2009 season record.
Therefore the Lions will have the first shot at Edwards.
However, if ESPN is right about the teams interested, the Chiefs, who are 3-0 this season but went 4-12 last season, will take priority and add Edwards to their roster, joining Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle.
A new home might be just the trick for Edwards. He’s not the best quarterback in the league, but he has talent and his skills may be better served somewhere else.
Besides, the Bills didn't exactly surround him with talent. Their only real offensive threat is rookie running back C.J. Spiller, and I doubt even Tom Brady would be able to put up big numbers behind an offensive line like Buffalo’s.
To reach writer Sara Ramsey, click here.
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