Philadelphia Eagles
Edwards went undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft. On April 28, 2019, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Edwards to a three-year, $1.76 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $12,500. [13]
Throughout his first training camp, Edwards competed for a roster spot at linebacker against Nate Gerry, Zach Brown, L. J. Fort, Alex Singleton, and Asantay Brown. [14] Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz named Edwards the primary backup middle linebacker, behind starter Nigel Bradham, to start his rookie season. [15]
On September 9, 2019, Edwards made his regular season debut in the Eagles' home-opener, appearing only on special teams during a 27–32 win against the Washington Redskins. On October 13, 2019, Edwards earned his first playing time on defense, making four solo tackles in a 20–38 loss at the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 8, Edwards made his first career start at outside linebacker due to a recurring ankle injury to Nigel Bradham, finishing the Eagles' 31–13 victory at the Buffalo Bills with a season-high five combined tackles (two solo). He finished his rookie season in 2019 with a total of 30 combined tackles (15 solo) in 16 games and four starts. [16]
The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2019 NFL season atop the NFC East, clinching a playoff berth with a 9–7. On January 5, 2020, Edwards made his official postseason debut in the NFC Wildcard Game, making two combined tackles in a 17–9 loss against the Seattle Seahawks.
Edwards entered training camp in 2020 as a possible candidate to be the starting middle linebacker, competing against Jatavis Brown and Davion Taylor, after Nigel Bradham became a free agent. Head coach Doug Pederson named Edwards the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Nate Gerry and Duke Riley.
On October 8, 2020, Edwards was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4. [17] He was activated on October 31, 2020. [18] In Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football , Edwards recorded a team high 13 tackles and recorded a strip sack on quarterback Ben DiNucci which was recovered and returned by teammate Rodney McLeod for a 53-yard touchdown during the 23–9 win. [19] In Week 17 against the Washington Football Team on Sunday Night Football, Edwards recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Alex Smith during the 20–14 loss. [20]
During a Week 5 game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2021, Edwards made a crucial play when he blocked a punt as the Eagles were down 18–13 in the fourth quarter. The Eagles would go on to win the game, 21–18. Edwards was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance. [21]
In Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints, Edwards recorded both an interception and a fumble recovery.
On November 22, 2021, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Edwards to a one-year, $2.20 million contract extension that includes $2.15 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $1.18 million. [22] [23]
In 2022, Edwards helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII where they lost 38–35 to the Kansas City Chiefs. In the Super Bowl, Edwards had six tackles and one pass defended. [24]
