Trent

Edwards

It’s currently seeming unlikely that Oakland will grab the best player available at No. 1. Cleveland and Detroit reportedly also covet Edwards.

That was fast. While the move is completely against Buffalo’s character, it makes sense for them. They are desperate for receiver firepower across from Lee Evans to help Trent Edwards out. The rest of the AFC East isn’t getting easier and Dick Jauron is in a playoff-or-bust year. The move may blow up in their face, but we love that it’s a one-year deal. Owens will have to perform and behave to keep his career going. While this helps Evans and Edwards, Owens is joining the least explosive offense of his career. Expect his numbers to suffer accordingly.

Edwards is part of the Raiders’ search for a better backup. The seventh-year pro has attempted just two passes since the end of the 2010 season.

Boller was the first quarterback off the bench in Sunday’s third preseason game, going 5-of-7 for 69 yards in limited work. Edwards then came on and got sacked three times, lost a fumble and looked uncomfortable. Either way, the Raiders’ offense figures to go extremely run-heavy if Campbell goes down.

Campbell experienced dizziness after taking the hit with 2:44 left in the first half. He had completed 5-of-7 passes for 75 yards at the time of his injury. He was replaced by Trent Edwards, who completed just 3-of-6 throws for 36 yards and an ugly pick. Battling Kyle Boller for the Raiders’ backup job, Edwards won’t necessarily be in line to start Oakland’s third preseason game next Sunday if Campbell is indeed concussed.

Edwards worked out for the Eagles two weeks ago; now he’s taking a physical. A signing is likely imminent, though Edwards would still need to turn heads in training camp to make the 2012 roster.

Edwards was out of the league for the entire 2011 season. The Raiders cut him at the end of training camp, and Edwards turned down an offer to join the Dolphins after Chad Henne’s season-ending injury in October. The Eagles are looking for a veteran backup to Michael Vick. They can do better than Edwards.

The Fins are also in discussions with David Garrard and Jake Delhomme, as they seek insurance for Chad Henne’s shoulder injury. If Henne’s injury isn’t season-ending, Garrard and Delhomme won’t be options. Edwards and Croyle would be candidates to work in a backup role for a few weeks under that scenario.

Edwards was offered a deal after Tuesday’s workout, but he turned it down because he didn’t want to play for the Dolphins. Unlike the situation with David Garrard, money was not a factor. From what we’ve seen of Miami’s front office, it’s hard to blame Edwards. The Dolphins did end up with a better backup in Sage Rosenfels.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he’ll be Jason Campbell’s backup, meaning Kyle Boller is either ticketed for the third string or free agency. With Jason Campbell hardly having a vice-grip on the starting job, there’s a real possibility Edwards could see playing time this season. The Raiders will hope not, of course, because his check-down mentality rarely threatens defenses. Edwards has been injured every season of his football career dating back to high school and often looks afraid in the pocket.