Edwards stakes his NFL future with Kansas City
By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | ∞
Donnie Edwards will be introduced at a press conference today in a place where he needs no introduction: Kansas City.
"It made a lot of sense in a lot of ways,'' said Edwards, the former Chargers linebacker who came to terms Saturday with the Chiefs. "It's a place where I'm familiar with the coaches and I played with a lot of the guys on that team.''
Edwards spent his first six seasons in Kansas City prior to his five-year Chargers run. Despite leading the Chargers in tackles each year, the team declined to invite him back.
So Edwards, a Rancho Santa Fe resident, hit the free-agent trail through e-mails and text messages. He's been traveling in Europe and Costa Rica this offseason, somewhat removed from the negotiations.
Since news broke of his reported three-year, $13.5 million contract, Edwards has yet to speak with the media ---- save Wednesday night's call to the North County Times.
"I've been home two days since Jan. 25," Edwards said. "I don't know where I am or what time it is.''
Edwards' Chargers stint was halted by A.J. Smith. The team's general manager tired of Edwards' contract requests and tried trading him last year.
"It was evident for a while that I wasn't coming back,'' said Edwards, who bit his lip when chided publicly by Smith. "I tried to handle myself in a professional manner and not let everything get too personal. Everyone reacts differently. I just went out there and played regardless of the dysfunctional relationship between him (Smith) and Marty (Schottenheimer).''
Edwards and Schottenheimer ---- his coach in Kansas City ---- entered and exited the Chargers' scene together. Schottenheimer was fired after the Chargers lost to the New England Patriots in the playoffs.
In addition to the Chiefs, San Francisco, Green Bay and Philadelphia expressed interest in the durable Edwards, who turns 34 next month.
The Chula Vista native leaves San Diego with one regret.
"I wish we would have won a Super Bowl for Marty and for myself,'' Edwards said. "But I'm just happy I get the opportunity to play at least once a year in my hometown. I had five very productive years in San Diego and did not miss one game. It was nice to have the fans' support, that they saw what I did for the team and also in the community to make it a better place.''
Edwards will move outside in the Chiefs' 4-3 alignment, a switch from his inside spot in the Chargers' 3-4. But like Kansas City, Edwards knows the territory.
"Playing outside linebacker in a 4-3 is ideally the best position for me,'' Edwards said. "I've been fortunate enough in my career to play a lot of different positions and schemes. It really doesn't matter. As long as I'm on the field, I'll find a way to the ball.''
-- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
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flash19sd wrote on Mar 15, 2007 5:59 AM:Thanks for the 5 years in SD, Donnie! We will miss your veteran saavy and leadership. Business is business and I commend you for not taking it personal. Matt Wilhelm will be a great replacement as he has a nose for the football also. If he improves his pass defense, he will be a great one...just like the great Donnie Edwards!
Jamie wrote on Mar 15, 2007 7:10 AM:Thanks for the memories Donnie ! While somewhat undervalued by hard corp Charger fans, you produced in every game including the post-season. And through injuries last year. Thanks and Good Luck finishing your career with the Chiefs.
Good Riddance wrote on Mar 15, 2007 11:36 AM:Never liked him or his greedy personality! Glad to see him go back to where he came from. If he didn't like the contract he originally singed, he shouldn't have signed it. Too many players sign a contract for a signing bonus and then want to get a raise! It makes me sick.
ronbo wrote on Mar 15, 2007 12:14 PM:My guess is the linebacker defense will not the same next year...you don't lose a quality, durable lb like Edwards without repercussions. To not sit and negotiate a new contract, or even find out if one is possible as this one ends is very shortsighted on Smith's part. Donny never missed a game in half a decade in SD, and always produced in the playoffs (double digit tackles and an INT in the New England loss). Would not be surprised if his play next year against us costs us at least one game against KC. Stupid move by AJ.
James wrote on Mar 15, 2007 2:11 PM:hey Ronbo, You're assuming there was no dialogue...you're mis-informed. There was dialogue...Edwards was just asking for too much over too many years...Inform yourself before you speak... Chargers won't miss a beat...don't like the move...jump off the bandwagon!
barbaric wrote on Mar 15, 2007 4:15 PM:Donnie Edwards is a very good LB, but football is a business. The Chargers probably felt that they had enough good and young LB. Therefore, Donnie had to go. I think it was a good move for both teams.
Nitrain wrote on Mar 15, 2007 6:06 PM:jump off the train, please you have got to be kidding. How can you be a Charger fan and not love Donnie Edwards? James? I dont get it...how long could you have been a charger fan and not seen How hard the man plays. Yes. he is not the biggest line backer nor the strongest but the man produced. whether it be on a 8-8 team or a 14-2 team the man produced. Ive been a charger fan since i was like 6 that doesnt mean i am in favor with every move they make. I dont see how letting Donnie walk makes our team any better. Yes, we may have enough talent on the defensive side to still dominate but it makes us no better. Let me ask you this Question James...Would you follow the chargers "Band wagon" to another city(Las Vegas)? Please think for yourself Have your own opinion. Or does AJ do that for you?
Willi B wrote on Mar 15, 2007 7:05 PM:Thanks for the hard work and commitment, Donnie! Few have come here and contributed as much as you have, especially considering such free agents as David Boston. Many could have handled your situation last year a lot worse, but you handled it with class and tried to contribute to a team that you knew was most likely not your future.
donnie's #1 fan wrote on Mar 15, 2007 8:47 PM:i loved donnie he wasnt greedy btw he just wanted to stay with san diego while he was here he would vistis chula vista middle and talk sign and other things for free he was agood.....GREAT mlb
No care wrote on Mar 15, 2007 10:56 PM:Whatever, he made tackles forty yards downfield, if he was so great why did it take so long for him to get signed, he was over the hill, young guns will step up and get the job done, if you cherry pick all day and wait for everything you will eventually get a pick which is what he did. Plus, he would of looked ugly in our new jerseys.
Jeff wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:42 AM:Big mistake letting Donnie go. AJ and his ego are heading in the wrong direction. Chargers would have won the SB with Drew Brees but Rivers was AJ's boy. Light's Out will be lucky to stay injury free without steriods. Go Chiefs!! Donnie Edwards is a class act...
Eddie wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:35 AM:I can say that I enjoyed seeing Donnie play for the bolts. I ownly think that if a person likes where he's at then why would leave a team where the fans loved you. The Chargers have the better team. More than likely the Chargers are going to go to the SuperBowl, so why leave? I guess money was more important than the team. Goodluck Donnie you were truly a fine Charger.
$$$$$$ wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:44 PM:Well good for Donnie for getting a generous contract from the Chumps/Chiefs. He is 34 this year & he wanted as much as he could get.
TO JEFF wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:52 PM:THE CHARGERS WOULD HAVE WON THE SUPERBOWL IF WE DID NOT PLAY MARTY BALL ITS AS SIMPLE AS THAT SO HOPEFULLY WE WILL TAKE THE GLOVES OFF NEXT YEAR AND DESTROY EACH TEAM WE PLAY ESPECIALLY KC
Thomas wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:08 PM: I would like to give some credit to the charger fans that admitt that Donnie is a great player. The ones that are mad just don't want to see him leave. Getting rid of your head coach and best player beacuse of personal issues is why the chargers will fall short next year. 14-2, the coach must have done something right. Besides, Donnie never wanted to leave Kansas City anyway, thats were his heart is. BIG MISTAKE-GO CHIEFS!!!
Go Bolts wrote on Mar 17, 2007 3:16 PM:Thomas I`m glad Donnie got some guaranteed money from one of our rivals leaving them less money to spend on young, stronger & more talented players. As for our former head coach his post season record is the main reason for his termination, the same reason the Chiefs fired him. The CHARGERS are looking like the odds on favorites to win in Tempe Arizona, 2008
kevin wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:00 AM:thanks donnie for all the great effort. you are a sure hallafamer. aj can never seem to make the right decissions when it comes to keeping true talent. he is trying to feed is fat ego. 5 years as lead tackler. need i say more. be aware players. its all about money.ask junior. im out.
shondiego wrote on Mar 20, 2007 8:14 PM:chargers dont believe in proven winners!
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