Quickness. That's what the Oakland Raiders will get with defensive end Kalimba Edwards after signing him to a two-year deal on Friday. The deal is reportedly worth $5 million.
Edwards was cut earlier in the month by the Detroit Lions after being a second-round pick in 2002. He didn't fail to disappoint during his career, as he recorded 26 sacks and forced 10 fumbles during his first six seasons in the league. His best season came in 2005, when he recorded seven sacks and forced two fumbles.
Edwards did have some problems last season though: he only played in eight games due to a knee injury. The Raiders were in need of a pass rusher after defensive lineman Chris Clemons signed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the offseason. The Raiders were near the bottom of the league in sacks last season, and that was with Clemons having eight of the team's 27 sacks.
The Raiders have made a definitive effort to shore up their defense even more this offseason -- although it's come at a high price for just a few players. Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly signed a deal that gives him $18 million guaranteed, cornerback DeAngelo Hall (via a trade) signed a deal that included $24 million guaranteed, and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was slapped with the franchise tag, which gives him $10 million guaranteed.