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Dwan Edwards leaves Buffalo without a deal

Ravens free agent defensive lineman takes third visit Aaron Wilson

Print This March 16, 2010, 07:02 PM EST
3 Comments

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Up to bat on his third free agent visit, Baltimore Ravens free agent defensive end Dwan Edwards has yet to make a connection with a new NFL employer.

Edwards visited with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, but left town without an offer.

Concerns about his spinal fusion surgery from two years ago have cooled interest in Edwards, a versatile defensive lineman who unseated Trevor Pryce as a starter last season in Baltimore.

After visiting the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Bills, Edwards has yet to garner an offer.

“It’s been a little difficult,” Edwards told Buffalo reporters during his visit. “I’m not going to lie. I kind of knew some teams might have some issues with my neck. I saw a lot of doctors and got a lot of opinions. That’s all I can do is get all the information I can. It’s up to the team to make that decision.”

In a text message Tuesday night while returning home to Baltimore, Edwards acknowledged that free agency has been stressful so far.

Edwards emphasized that he’s completely healthy at this point.

“I don’t have any issues,” he said. “I’ve been cleared to play by the doctor who did my surgery. Different doctors are going to have different opinions on what they see.”

The Bills’ spine specialist is regarded as an expert in his field, especially considering his work with tight end Kevin Everett who was nearly paralyzed during a collision on the field and has regained his ability to walk.

The Bills did sign linebacker Andra Davis to a two-year deal during Edwards’ visit, but let Edwards leave without opening contract talks.

Edwards could return to Baltimore provided he’s healthy and a financial fit for the Ravens.

Last season, Edwards recorded 47 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries as he returned one for a touchdown against the New England Patriots.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said during the NFL scouting combine that the team would like to have Edwards back.

At this point, though, the former second-round draft pick from Oregon State doesn’t have any other visits scheduled.

His patience is wearing thin.

“I’d like to get it done sooner than later,” Edwards said. “I’d like to get started, jump in and be the best player I can be.”

Edwards missed the entire 2008 season, but made a strong comeback last year with nine starts.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder entered free agency expecting to draw a lot of interest. So far, though, it’s been a lot of conversation and visits and very little tangible action.

“I’ve gotten better every year I’ve been with the Ravens,” Edwards said. “Unfortunately, I had the injury in 08, but came back strong and probably had the most productive year of my career. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and improve and be a great addition.”

Edwards, who said that former Ravens and Bills defensive tackle Justin Bannan recommended the Bills organization to him, has a strong background in the 3-4 defense that the Bills are implementing under new defensive coordinator George Edwards.

“That’s kind of my specialty, what I’m used to and what I’ve been around my whole career,” Edwards said. “Just that and the fans out here are great.”

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Paul Miller
Mar 16, 2010
07:39 PM

Interesting considering Shefter tweeted 15 min ago that Edwards signed with the Bills.

Paul Miller
Mar 16, 2010
07:53 PM

Interesting considering Shefter tweeted 15 min ago that Edwards signed with the Bills.

mlb jersey
Mar 16, 2010
10:45 PM

Interesting considering Shefter tweeted 15 min ago that Edwards signed with the Bills.

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