Joseph Robert Edwards (born 31 October 1990) is an English professional footballer and coach, who plays for and captains EFL Championship side Plymouth Argyle, as a full-back or midfielder.

Edwards began his career with Aston Villa and then Bristol City, where he rose through the youth ranks to graduate from the club's academy.

Born in Gloucester,[3] Edwards progressed through Bristol City academy from the age of ten, having spent the three years prior with Aston Villa.

[11] After making nine league appearances for Bath,[12] Edwards returned to Bristol City in November after Conference emergency loan regulations ruled out an extension.

[13] An injury crisis meant that City manager Keith Millen needed to draft Edwards onto the substitutes bench for a number of games during January and February 2011.

[15] Following a further injury crisis, Millen decided to give Edwards his full debut in the final Championship game of the season, a home tie with Hull City on 7 May.

[24] After playing four League One games for Yeovil, Edwards returned to Bristol City after picking up an injury, but Johnson hoped the club would be able to re-sign him once he had recovered fully.

[38] Edwards made what was his third debut for the club on 29 January 2013, as a Paddy Madden double sealed a 2–1 win over Milton Keynes Dons.

[41] Edwards played start-to-finish in the game as his side beat Brentford 2–1 to earn promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in Yeovil Town's history.

[43] Ahead of Yeovil's maiden season in the Championship, Edwards hoped that he could hold down a regular starting role in his new-found central midfield position.

[44] He began the season at full-back but returned to his now more familiar central midfield role towards the end of August 2013, before signing a new contract that would see him remain with the club until the summer of 2015.

[48] Despite having suffered relegation just days earlier, Edwards revealed his excitement at the prospect of the league fixtures against his former club Bristol City in the 2014–15 season.

[50] With the club struggling for league form, an FA Cup run to the third round produced a dream tie for Edwards as Yeovil were drawn against Manchester United at Huish Park.

[51] Yeovil put in a valiant display, but lost 2–0 to the Premier League side, with Edwards captaining the club and playing for the full match.

[52] Following the cup tie with Manchester United, Edwards wanted to see his side transfer the performance they put in against the Premier League club into their own relegation battle.

[55] Edwards suffered an ankle injury during Yeovil's 1–0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on 10 February, requiring to be replaced at half-time.

[57] He returned to action with Yeovil already relegated to League Two and a new manager in the shape of Paul Sturrock on 25 April as a half-time substitute in their 2–1 home defeat by Port Vale.

[63] On 6 July, it was announced that League One side Colchester United had signed Edwards on a free transfer,[64] joining on a one-year contract with the option of a further year.

[85] Edwards scored in the final game of the 2022–23 season, helping Argyle clinch the EFL League One title, in a 3–1 win away to Port Vale.

[87] On the final matchday of the season, on 4 May, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Hull City, securing his club's continued presence in the Championship.