The New Orleans Saints are in a spot to compete for the NFC South division title in 2026 under Tyler Shough. To do this, they need to nail the offseason and find some impact players in free agency, especially at guard. Luckily for them, one of the top free agents happens to be Buffalo Bills left guard David Edwards. He should be a priority for the Saints in March.
Edwards is a 28 year old veteran who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent four years with them before signing with the Bills in 2023. Now, Edwards is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the season ends.
Edwards is coming off a year where he played 1,035 snaps, and counting with the Bills post-season run, and only gave up three sacks and 27 pressures. He’s seen tons of action in his career with four seasons of 1,000+ downs played. Edwards is a reliable player who can be counted on to protect Shough.
The price tag is hefty… but well worth it
In a lackluster 2025 free agent pool, Edwards stands alone as the player the Saints must sign, no matter the cost. He is expected to receive approximately $20 million per year. This is expensive, but the Saints can afford it as Shough’s rookie contract gives them financial freedom.
It’s imperative that the Saints heavily invest in the offensive line and protect Shough. Fans and analysts are projecting them to select a dynamic weapon early in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they can’t do this unless they fix the interior. Edwards would help this and give them the ability to select someone explosive in the draft instead of being forced to pick an offensive lineman.
David Edwards wouldn’t be a glamorous signing in free agency, but it’s one the Saints must make regardless of the cost. He would protect Shough and open up the possibility of the Saints adding a playmaker later in the offseason.