The Eagles' backup spot is crucial given Vick's injury history. He missed three games last season and failed to finish two others.
Edwards, 28, has 33 starts in four seasons, almost all with the Bills, though he spent part of 2010 with Jacksonville. Edwards didn't play in 2011 after being cut by Oakland, so he was available before the full opening of free agency on March 13. More options could become available then.
"He's a guy who's had success in the NFL and started in this league, had won, and has also had some adversity to overcome," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said. "He knows nothing's promised in this game . . . it's a promise just to compete."
Earlier, Roseman talked up Kafka's potential and the value he may gain from having a full offseason to work with Eagles coaches. Kafka was drafted in 2010, then was limited by the 2011 lockout.
"He's a guy that we drafted in the fourth round not because we were looking for a quarterback but because he was a guy that we really liked through the [draft] process," Roseman said.
Edwards has thrown 26 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in his career. He started 14 games for Buffalo in 2008 but only three for the Bills and Jaguars in 2010, his last year in the league. No one picked him up after he was cut in September.
The Eagles could add another veteran or a rookie, though drafting a quarterback seems less likely.
Optimism on Jackson. As the Eagles contemplate whether to use the franchise tag on receiver DeSean Jackson, Roseman again indicated that the team wants to keep the two-time Pro Bowler.
"We think he's got a great future and we're excited about the possibilities for DeSean Jackson in Philadelphia," the general manager said, echoing recent comments but, perhaps significantly, adding the phrase "in Philadelphia."
