First Down Kentucky: Mike Edwards Fills Big Shoes in Buffalo

Mike Edwards has won two Super Bowls with two different NFL franchises. He’s joining another with Lombardi aspirations. To get over the hump, the Buffalo Bills are asking the former Kentucky Wildcat to fill an enormous void.

This offseason the Bills completely reshaped their secondary. After knocking on the door in the AFC for years, they moved on from Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, and Tre’Davious White. They stripped down the secondary by removing the pillars of the program. The first addition following the big shift was signing Edwards to a one-year deal.

“The Bills culture. The coaching staff … They sold me very well,” Edwards said shortly after he signed. “Safety friendly, my position and the two guys [Poyer and Micah Hyde] they had, phenomenal over the past seven years … I feel like I can come in and take over that role and try to get better and try to improve every week.”

Edwards logged significant snaps on the Chiefs road to another Super Bowl. He even picked off a pass in the Wild Card victory over the Dolphins. Turning 28 this year, the former Wildcat has the second-most defensive touchdowns (4) in the NFL since 2021. Primarily a rotational player in Kansas City, during his final season with Tampa Bay in 2022, he had career-highs in starts (12) and interceptions (8). If more opportunity means more production, it could be just what the Buffalo defense needs.

Kentucky Adds a Long Snapper

Roster building never stops. Even though spring practice kicked off earlier this week, Kentucky is still adding players.

Alex McLaughlin announced he will be transferring from Illinois to Kentucky. The former Illini long snapper will be a preferred walk-on in Lexington. He spent one season in Champaign after beginning his career at NC State. It’s expected that he will back up Walker Himebauch, the long snapper who earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2023.

I have committed to the University of Kentucky to continue my athletic and academic career. Thank you to all the coaches and those who have helped me through this process. Let’s work! @PrieferJr1 @CoachJ_Boulware #BBN pic.twitter.com/wBfcn8AsTk

— Alex McLaughlin (@AlexMclaughlin_) March 20, 2024

Kentucky Returns to Spring Practice on Thursday

The Cats will have one more helmets-only practice, then add shoulder pads on Saturday morning. In between the madness, the departing players will briefly step into the limelight at UK Pro Day. Friday will not feature the same audience without Will Levis showcasing his skills, but I still expect a solid turnout among NFL scouts.

Until the action resumes, enjoy highlights from the first Kentucky football practice of the spring season.

#FirstDayOfSpring First day of spring football. pic.twitter.com/AI5bbj0OwE

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) March 19, 2024

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