NFL Star Braylon Edwards -- Settles Slander Lawsuit and Donates Money to Charity

NFL star Braylon Edwards just settled a slander lawsuit that he claimed cost him a $15 million NFL contract -- but he's being magnanimous about it ... and donating his settlement money to charity, TMZ has learned.

The former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver filed a $14 million suit against a Detroit restaurant and several employees for slander and extortion back in 2011... claiming their false accusations about him being involved in a bar fight cost him a HUGE contract deal with an NFL team.

Edwards reached a settlement with everyone involved and dropped his suit last month. Sources close to Edwards tell TMZ he was happy to put an end to the matter because he wants to take this time to focus on football instead. Edwards is currently a free agent.

According to our sources, Edwards took the settlement money and established scholarships for 100 kids.