Looks like a nickel back and insurance against Kelly's injury to me.

Larry





http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id
=1778678



By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Free agent cornerback Mario Edwards, one of the few starting caliber
players remaining in the veteran unrestricted pool, reached a contract
agreement on Thursday evening with the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Edwards, 28, will sign a six-year contract worth about $3 million per
year and including a signing bonus believed to be $2 million.

The four-year veteran had played his entire career with the Dallas
Cowboys, starting much of the last three seasons at right cornerback,
including starting all 16 games in '03. He joined the Cowboys as a
fourth-round choice in the 2000 draft.

While not blessed with great speed, Edwards is regarded as a solid
defensive back, and it was surprising that he remained in the open
market this long, especially given the spending spree on cornerbacks
early in the free agency period. Despite not having a contract with the
Cowboys, the former Florida State star continued to work out at the
team's complex, and there were some expectations he might re-sign.

Agent Jordan Woy suggested early this week that a deal for Edwards might
be imminent. League sources said it was important to Edwards that he
resolve his situation before the NFL draft in two weeks.

The agreement provides the Bucs a proven corner, one who might contend
for a starting job, or who can play as the "nickel" defender. Tampa Bay
struggled last year, especially in third-down situations, after starting
cornerback Brian Kelly was injured. And even if Edwards plays only as
the "nickel" back, it will mean the Bucs won't have to move free safety
Dwight Smith into that spot as often.

In his Dallas tenure, Edwards started 47 times in 58 appearances. Over
the past three seasons, he logged 46 starts.

He has 178 tackles, four interceptions, including two returned for
touchdowns, and 28 passes defensed.