Cardinals' Wilson fined for hit that knocked out Bills' Edwards

The NFL has levied a $25,000 fine against Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson for the hit that left Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards with a concussion in Week 5.

According to the league, the hit on Edwards violated the rule stating that "a defensive player must not unnecessarily or violently throw him down and land on top of him with all or most of the defender's weight." The rule compels defensive players to "strive to wrap up or cradle the passer with the defensive player's arms."

A penalty was not called on the play.

Wilson, 28, drew more personal-foul penalties from 2001 through last season -- 17 -- than any player in the league.

In a letter to Wilson, the league put the hard-hitting safety on notice that future violations could lead to stiffer penalties.

The Cardinals defeated the Bills, 41-17, after Wilson's first-quarter hit prevented Edwards from returning. The Bills have a bye in Week 6. Edwards' status for Week 7 remains undetermined.

Mike Sando covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

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