Edwards signs with Bucs

Cowboys’ free-agent cornerback Mario Edwards has signed a six-year deal worth approximately $18 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday.

Terms reportedly include a $2 million signing bonus.

The Cowboys did not sign Edwards because they were looking to upgrade the position next to Terence Newman, the Cowboys’ first pick last season and second in Rookie of the Year balloting.

Edwards was given a one-year deal last year after trying to be signed long-term. The Cowboys were not ready to give in to those demands at that time.

Edwards started every game at right cornerback last season and had a solid season. However, he became a target near the end of the season for both opposing quarterbacks as well as referees, being picked on by offensive game plans and by some questionable interference calls.

In Tampa Bay, Edwards will be the third cornerback, behind Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, according to Jordan Woy, Edwards’ agent.

Woy said Edwards declined other opportunities to start with other teams, including the Cowboys, but the former Florida State star felt the Tampa Bay situation was best for him long-term.

"We looked at it long-term and short-term," Woy said. "We did have conversations with the Cowboys before we signed off on it. We felt this was the best way to go."

With Edwards out of the picture, the Cowboys now have Pete Hunter and Donald Mitchell as possible replacements on the right side. The Cowboys could also address the position in the draft or when the second round of free agency begins June 1.

While most prognosticators have the Cowboys selecting a running back in the first round, they could select a cornerback like Ohio State’s Chris Gamble. It would be the third consecutive year that the Cowboys would select a defensive back in the first round – Newman in 2003 and safety Roy Williams in 2002.