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.