DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Kalimba Edwards Released...

Hmmmmmm...Went for him last year...Ended up with Peek...

Lions release RB Jones, DE Edwards

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions announced Thursday that they have released DE Kalimba Edwards and RB Kevin Jones.

"As I've said all along, we will always make decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our entire football team," Lions Head Coach Rod Marinelli said. "As the offseason has evolved from our postseason roster evaluation -- to the combine -- to the free agency period -- we feel we've made several moves to improve our team.

"With the off-season program beginning next week and with our draft preparation intensifying, we decided this was the right time to make these two roster moves. While there are always a number of factors that go into this type of decision, we do believe these moves bring clarity to our roster and also eliminate some uncertainty heading into the draft that would have otherwise existed.

"We sincerely appreciate the contributions that Kevin and Kalimba have made to our football team and we wish them the very best. We appreciate their hard work and professionalism during their time with the Lions."

Edwards (6-6, 265) spent his first six seasons in the NFL with the Lions. During his career, the veteran defensive end has amassed 190 tackles (115 solo), 26.0 sacks (158.5 yards), eight pass defenses, eight fumble recoveries and eight forced fumbles in 87 career games (22 starts). Edwards played in eight games (six starts) in 2007 while totaling 25 tackles (14 solo), 3.0 sacks (23 yards), one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. In 2002, he was the first Lion to lead the team in sacks (6.5) as a rookie since Tracy Scroggins (7.5) in 1992. Edwards was selected by the Lions in the second round (35th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Running back Kevin Jones is looking for work after being released by the Lions on Thursday.

Jones (5-11, 228) played the first four seasons of his NFL career with Detroit and has recorded 3,067 rushing yards on 750 attempts (4.1 avg.) and 24 touchdowns. He has caught 141 passes for 1,006 yards (7.1 avg.) and three touchdowns as a receiver. Overall, Jones has tallied 4,075 total yards and 27 touchdowns in 53 career games (49 starts). In 2007, returned to the gridiron in Week 3 at Philadelphia (9/23) after recovering from a foot injury suffered at the end of 2006. He finished the year with 153 rushes for 581 yards and a career-high eight rushing touchdowns. His season was cut short when he suffered a knee injury vs. Kansas City (12/23).

As a receiver out of the backfield, Jones' most productive year was in 2006 when he caught a career-best 61 receptions and tied for fourth in the NFL among running backs. His 61 receptions are the second-most by a Lions running back in team history. Jones' 520 receiving yards were the fifth-best tally by a Lions' running back in team history.

During his rookie season in 2004, Jones was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl when he led the team with 1,133 rushing yards on 241 attempts (4.7 avg.) and tallied five rushing touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the NFC in rushing and tied for second in the NFL with 11 rushes of 20-or-more yards. With 1,133 yards on 241 carries (4.7 avg.), he became the fifth player (17th time overall) in team history to gain 1,000 yards in a single season and fourth running back to rush for over 1,100 yards in a single season. The Virginia Tech standout was chosen by the Lions in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d80732ec8&template=without-video&confirm=true

Kevin Jones would be interesting.

Wasn't PS hot for this edwards a coupla years ago?
Can he make the transition to OLB? now I'm intriqued by this cat.

Oops,I didn't see your 1st line,answered one of my questions.Oh well,it's always easier to ask than to find out for yourself.

Anybody want an OLB on this team...Here he is...

This is a Cap related release...

6' 6" and 265 is PERFECT...

When this dude got drafted by Detroit I said to myself...

"Self...A 4-3 is not where this kid needs to be"...

Wonder if Edwards' daddy would give him permission to sign with us?

I am intrigued by both of these players.

the browns targeted this guy early last year- they must have saw something in him to think he would be a good fit in the 3-4. this could be a really nice pickup. i would think he would have several different options- why did he chose the lions last year. Seems to me the money was fairly close?????

Quote:

---

I'd like to bring in Kevin Jones as well. I always thought he was a decent runner behind a horrible line. Tell him he'll compete with Jason Wright for the #2 spot. He's fought some foot injuries the last couple of years, but I think he's past all that now.

---

I can see the Jerome Harrison contingent of this board quiver in fear...

I agree, it would be great to bring in Jones to compete with Wright, and Harrison. Still, if we keep 3, Wright is soooo darned good on Special Teams...

Bring em both in!!!!!

I say bring jones and edwards in. Both of them are very talented.

I'll take Edwards, we need bodies at OLB. Willie is done and the only other guy is David McMillian. Rather have Clark Haggans but anybody at this point that isn't a stiff would work for me.

It only makes sense to bring in a guy we tried to get before...

Probably for cheaper too.

Keep in mind Savage valued him so much that he said "Our draft focus became pass rush over run defense when Kalimba Edwards decided to stay in Detroit, that's when we felt married to Kamerion when it came to the draft."

The front 7 may be good to go if we land him.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080313/SPORTS01/80313059

Here's part of whole story.
--------------------------------------

Edwards, a second-round pick in 2002, signed a five-year, $20-million contract with the Lions in ’06. He hoped Marinelli, a defensive line guru, would turn him into one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. He talked about double-digit sacks.

But he had only three sacks each of the past two seasons. He opened last season as the starting right defensive end, missed four games because of injuries and ended up inactive for the last four games. He didn’t even travel for the last two road games, and he said Dec. 31 he didn’t expect to be back.

“I told you all at the beginning of the season what the deal was if I didn’t produce, if you all remember my statements,” Edwards said. “If I would have made the plays, I’d still be here. I told you if I didn’t make the plays, I wasn’t going to be here.”
He said he wasn’t bitter, though.

“We men, man,” Edwards said. “Ain’t no hostility. You sign a contract. If you produce, you keep that contract. If you don’t, you don’t. Me and Rod, we men. …

“When he told me what was up, I said, ‘I understand,’ because that was the deal between us. It was unsaid. It was unwritten. But we knew what the deal was.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interesting artical.....

Jones is recovering from a torn ACL. He's probably going to start the season on the PUP.

Edwards is recovering from sucking his whole career.

I saw this on the NFL Network ticker and thought to myself one of you jumped all over this. I feel this might be a very good solution to our problem. Savage wanted him as an OLB two years ago. He stayed in Detroit as a DE and struggled. We might be able to sign him at a decent price if Savage is interested.

I believe he did play LB in college. Does anyone know how he was against the run?

Reports coming out of college...

Linebacker
Kalimba Edwards
College: South Carolina
Year: Senior
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 260

Strengths: Kalimba Edwards is likely only bidding time as South Carolina's outside linebacker. By all accounts, he'll be a defensive end once he reaches the NFL, and a pretty good one at that.

Fundamentally sound, Edwards is a bright player who delivers consistently on every down. He's extremely athletic and deceptively strong, able to get tremendous push off the line of scrimmage. He's one of those "always around the ball" kind of players, who makes big plays both up and down the field.

Edwards is strong off the block and has the tenacity to stay after a play. As a result, teams have a tendency to run their offense away from Edwards' side of the field.

Some have compared him favorably to Jevon Kearse, because he has the closing speed to eat up QB's in the pocket, and the speed to run them, and/or their running back, down from behind.


Areas of concern: Edwards doesn't possess linebacker-like speed, and he can get beat in coverage, so he's not the prototypical, every-down linebacker. He's also not very instinctual -- he knows and understands the game, and plays smart, but doesn't react as well as, say, OU's Rocky Calmus.

But don't misunderstand: that he might be a step or two slow as a linebacker doesn't mean that he's slow. He has the speed to blow by starting left tackles in the NFL.

Is he sponge-worthy?: He's arguably the best linebacker in the country, and will likely be one of the best defensive ends available in next year's draft. Such versatility would be ideal for a team like the Texans.

Edwards will need to bulk up a bit to play end in the NFL, but he's still growing into his rangy frame, and has athleticism to spare. Scouts unanimously praise Edwards' upside, and agree he can get to the quarterback from either the outside or the three-point stance. If Dom Capers does indeed institute a 3-4 defense, Edwards could be his crown jewel.

Right now, he's easily a top ten pick, possibly top five, and grades, as a defensive end, closely to UNC's Julius Peppers. And remember -- he's a linebacker. So, yes, the Texans will definitely be interested.

http://www.houstonprofootball.com/draft/2002/prospects/edwards.html



Kalimba Edwards
SELECTED BY SAN DIEGO , ROUND 2, PICK 3, OVERALL PICK 35
DE | (6-5, 265, 4.7) | SOUTH CAROLINA
By Pro Football Weekly

Notes: Played a lot as a defensive end and on special teams as a true freshman in 1998, when he had 21 stops, his first sack and a fumble recovery. Strong play in the spring of '99 led to the move of John Abraham to linebacker so Edwards could start at end. Finished the year with 64 tackles, five sacks and four other tackles for loss. Switched to outside linebacker in the team's new 3-3-5 defensive alignment and won consensus All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2000. Struggled with his new position early in the year and looked very tentative but really came on over the second half of the year. Had 73 stops, 11 for loss, seven sacks and three passes broken up. He also had an interception he returned 81 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee. Came up very big in the Outback Bowl against Ohio State with three sacks. As a senior, Edwards generally lined up at outside linebacker, but he also played a lot at end against Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Wound up the year on the sidelines after suffering a slight tear to the left medial collateral ligament vs. Florida on Nov. 10, 2001. The injury caused Edwards to miss the entire postseason. Before he was hurt, he had 79 stops, 3 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks and one pass broken up.

Positives: Very good all-around athlete. Smooth and fluid for his size. Looks like he was built to rush the passer with excellent height and arms down to his knees. As a full-time end, should be able to carry 275-280 pounds when he is finished growing and filling in. Both quick off the ball and fast and has a second gear he can turn on when closing in on or chasing the quarterback or ballcarrier. Uses his hands well and can counter as a pass rusher and change directions when chasing the ball without much wasted motion. Edwards also looks like he can turn his hips OK when he drops off into coverage, but he will generally move up and play defensive end on passing downs.

Negatives: Coming off a knee injury. Did not make many big plays or really stand out as a senior before he was hurt. Does not have a great frame for growing. Is a little narrow and has thin bones. Lacks functional playing strength when he plays down and has a hard time shedding blocks if he does not win with his first move and the offensive lineman gets his hands on him. Could be 'tweener, and is a player who a team must have a plan for if he is to realize his potential in the NFL.

Summary: Could be a special player in the right scheme or an average one if he is just plugged into a conventional position, be it at end or outside linebacker in a conventional 4-3 defense.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/tracker/player?id=3979

Cleveland Browns may pursue released Lions pass rusher

Posted by Tony Grossi Plain Dealer Reporter March 13, 2008 19:38PM

The Browns have been looking for another pass rusher to pair opposite Kamerion Wimbley. They may go after Kalimba Edwards, who was released this evening by the Detroit Lions.

The Browns were close to signing Edwards as a free agent in 2006, but he chose to return to the Lions. When that move fell through, the Browns turned to Willie McGinest for experience and selected Wimbley over tackle Haloti Ngata in the draft.

Edwards is 6-6 and 265 pounds. He's 28. Edwards had only 8 1/2 sacks in the two seasons of Detroit coach Rod Marinelli's 4-3 scheme. Edwards played right end for the Lions. A switch to outside linebacker in a 3-4 would be a projection.

Edwards was limited to only eight games last year because of injuries.

Edwards has the same agent (Kennard McGuire) as Shaun Rogers, the former Lions tackle for whom the Browns traded and signed to a six-year contract.

Toni Grossi

If u don't want to be a Brown the first time... u miss ouT!!!!!

Don't come now when the going is "good"

My bet is we sign him!

We wont be the only suitor though......

I think he will be much better as an OLB in our scheme. We wouldn't be risking much by bringing him in. The thing is he was the one that backed out when we tried to get him the first time,,you think it was our record at that time or something with the city he didn't like? (someone mentioned his father liked Detroit better,,which is laughable actually lol)

Quote:

---

“We men, man,”

---

He might be a man but he talks like my 3 year old

I saw this while at work today.

Interesting. Savage wanted this guy, and he resigned with Detroit. Wonder if Phil will take another look or pass, like Detroit just did.

Kevin Jones, when healthy, is a solid back. Wouldn't mind seeing him for the right price. He just has been hampered by injuries. Kind of like a former college teammate of his.

I dont get why people want another back so bad... Jamal was really good and Jason Wright/Harrison are viable back ups.

Apparently, we ARE going to make a run at this guy. If so, I hope it's only a one year deal. The "knocks" that people had on Shaun Rogers for being "uninspired" and "unmotivated" are NOTHING compared to what I've heard of this guy. Comments like "quitter" and "drives coaches crazy" have been mentioned. Maybe a change of scenery is needed but I'm a bit apprehensive about taking a "flier" on this guy. I believe I read that this guy was placed on the inactive list, for several games last year, when he was completely healthy.

I don't know, DD. I'm not sure it's being a quitter as much as it is being plagued by injury. He's always been productive when he's healthy, just can't stay healthy and I think that may have something to do with being a little light for the role of an end in the 4-3. The guy sizes up much better as a pass rusher in the 3-4, IMO.

Here's some career info:

PRO: Edwards uses his size and speed as an effective pass rusher at the right defensive end position. He saw an increase in playing time in 2006 to start 10 games, finishing strong at the conclusion of the year as he recorded two of his three sacks of the season in two of the final three games. Edwards signed a five-year contract extension heading into the 2006 season after a strong performance in 2005 in which he led Detroit in sacks (7.0) for the second time in his first four NFL seasons. In 2002, he was the first Lion to lead the team sacks (6.5) as a rookie since Tracy Scroggins (7.5, 1992). Prior to the 2003 season, Edwards was diagnosed with a sports hernia injury. He chose to play through the season and registered 19 tackles (13 solo) and two sacks (18 yards) while playing in 15 games before being placed on the Reserve/Injured list due to a torn groin muscle. In 2004, Edwards worked to regain his form while playing in 16 games and registering 22 tackles (15 solo) and 4.5 sacks (23.5 yards). His perseverance showed dividends when he opened the 2005 season with 4.0 sacks (17 yards) through the first four games, including his third-career multi-sack game at Tampa Bay (10/2). Edwards was drafted by Detroit in the second round (35th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Edwards' Single-Game Bests
Tackles 6 (four times) Last at Oak 9/9/07
Sacks 2 (four times) Last at Oak 9/9/07
Passes Defensed 2 (twice) Last at SF 10/5/03
Fumbles Recovered 1 (eight times) Last at Oak 9/9/07
Fumbles Forced 2 at Oak 9/9/07

2007: Started the year strong before injuries derailed his production.
• Edwards began 2007 with arguably the best performance of his career at Oakland (9/9), racking up six tackles (three solo), 2.0 sacks for a career-high 16 yards, a fumble recovery and a career-high two forced fumbles while starting at right defensive end. He also helped limit the Raiders to 92 yards rushing.
• Against Minnesota (9/16), Edwards posted three tackles (one solo) from the right defensive end position.
• Inactive at Philadelphia (9/23) and vs. Chicago (9/30) with an ankle injury.
• Returned to action at Washington (10/7), where he posted two tackles.
• Inactive at Chicago (10/28) and vs. Denver (11/4) with a knee injury.
• Returned from injury at Arizona (11/11), making three tackles (one solo).
• Made three tackles (three solo) and posted his third sack of the season (7 yards) against the New York Giants.
• Had three tackles (two solo) vs. Green Bay (11/22).
• Inactive Games 13-16.

2006: Took over as the starter at RE vs. Buffalo (10/15) after Cory Redding moved to DT and James Hall moved to LE. Posted a career-best 54 tackles (31 solo) with three sacks, one forced fumble and a career-best three fumble recoveries in 16 games with a career-best 10 starts.
• Against the Seattle Seahawks (9/10), Edwards registered six tackles (three solo), tying a career-high, and one tackle for loss.
• Had two tackles (one solo) three games vs. Chicago (9/17), vs. Green Bay (9/24) and at St. Louis (10/1).
• Registered four tackles (one solo) and recovered a fumble at Minnesota (10/8).
• In his first start of the season, Edwards posted three tackles (two solo), one tackle for loss, and had one fumble recovery vs. Buffalo (10/15).
• Claimed his first sack of the season along with three tackles (two solo) and forced one fumble at the New York Jets (10/22).
• Made five tackles (three solo) vs. Atlanta (11/5).
• Had four tackles (one solo) vs. San Francisco (11/12) and at Arizona (three solo).
• Produced five tackles (three solo) vs. Miami (11/23).
• Registered three tackles (two solo) vs. Minnesota (12/10).
• Recorded his second sack of the season against Packers QB Brett Favre while also posting three tackles (one solo) and one pass defensed.
• Tied his season and career-best performance with six tackles (five solo), one sack and one fumble recovery at Dallas (12/31).

2005: Appeared in all 16 games in 2005, recording a personal best 7.0 sacks on the season as well as 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
• Played key role in preventing Green Bay (9/11) from scoring during their final drive by sacking QB Brett Favre on third down for a loss of 9 yards, which set up a fourth-and-30 situation. He also recovered a fumble in the Lions 17-3 win.
• Had a strong game at Tampa Bay (10/2), recording 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 forced fumble and 2.0 sacks for a loss of 6 yards.
• Recorded his first start of the season vs. Baltimore (10/9) and tallied his fourth sack of the season.
• Started in place of an injured DE James Hall vs. Baltimore (10/9) and Carolina (10/16).
• Recovered a fumble vs. Chicago (10/30) that was forced by DT Shaun Cody to prevent the Bears from scoring in the fourth quarter.
• His sack at the beginning of the third quarter at Minnesota (11/6) caused a fumble and prevented a Vikings’ field goal.
• Recovered a fumble caused by DE Cory Redding to give Detroit possession against Arizona (11/13). The Recovery gave Lions possession at the end of the second quarter to set up a K Jason Hanson field goal.
• Surpassed his career-high sacks in a single season after sacking QB Drew Bledsoe at Dallas (11/20).

2004: Recorded 4.5 sacks (25.5 yds) while appearing in all 16 games.
• Tallied two sacks at New York Giants (10/24), the second multi-sack game of his career. Also recovered a QB Kurt Warner fumble in the closing minutes of the game to help preserve a Lions victory.
• Recorded a season-high five tackles at Jacksonville (11/14).

2003: Missed the entire preseason while recovering from off-season hernia surgery.
• Made a big impact at San Francisco (10/5) with three solo tackles, two passes defensed and a quarterback pressure.
• Recorded his first sack of the season versus Oakland (11/2) when he brought down Rick Mirer on third down and had a season-high five tackles (three solos), two quarterback knockdowns and two pressures.
• Racked up his second sack in as many games against Chicago (11/9) when he tackled Chris Chandler for an 11-yard loss.
• Left the game at Carolina (12/21) with a groin injury and did not return.
• Placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a torn groin muscle on December 23.

2002: Led the team with 6.5 sacks after playing in all 16 games.
• Registered his first career sack and forced fumble when he sacked Saints QB Aaron Brooks in the first quarter vs. New Orleans (9/29), the fumble was picked up by DE James Hall and returned for a touchdown.
• Started first NFL game at Minnesota (10/13).
• Finished with a single-game career-high two sacks at Arizona (12/8).
• Forced a fumble on a sack of Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper vs. Minnesota (12/29).

Lions' Site

My .02

Phil will look into this big time, he has too, I bet Phil looks into every player released from a team, some more some less but he looks, but we sign Kalimba to a two year deal, S.rodgers talks him into signing on.


Jones needs to take a year off or become LT's backup go somewhere where he can heal and get his legs back under neath him. good back, when healthy.

I would like to see Edwards opposite Wimbley.
Could be a good passrushing duo.
I would also take a flier on Jones if the price was right.
You could PUP him to see how the the injury came along.
If it doesn't heal this year you could always put him on injured reserve and let him get well, then he would be ready for next year as competition for Lewis.
If Harrison should happen to GET IT this year you could always cut Jones, but he would be a good backup to Lewis if he loses a step next year.
I guess we shall see what will transpire.
I have faith that Savage will do what is best for the team.

Quote:

---

I have faith that Savage will do what is best for the team.

---

Bingo......I agree 100%, ...

x 2

nordawg

As to Jones, I think our RB corps is set for right now.

As to Edwards, I've gotta think that Savage is looking pretty deep into this. Edwards fits a lot better at our OLB than Thompson does, and with Thompson visiting Houston, Savage might feel the pinch of some LB depth.

Now, with that being said, Savage might feel that we have what we need in Peek and won't have to bring in Edwards. Edwards might also be expecting big bucks and we won't be willing to dish it out.

At least it's something to keep our interest as fans for a little while.

We are done with injury prone guys...

Exit Lee suggs and Courtney Brown...

Courtney Brown had GREAT talent IMO, but he could never stay on the field...

Is Edwards better than someone we can get in the 4th round of the draft (talent, NFL knowledge, etc.)?

Quote:

---

Is Edwards better than someone we can get in the 4th round of the draft (talent, NFL knowledge, etc.)?

---

Yep he is and also more expensive, but ya pay for what ya get....