The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with former Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards on Monday afternoon. This was forecasted by many around the NFL, but Mickey Loomis had a secret weapon that helped them secure him. Mike Garafolo reported that Will Clapp, who retired this offseason and joined the Saints coaching staff, was a teammate of Edwards while on the Bills. This gave the Saints a valuable connection that undoubtedly played a role in the guard’s decision.
Clapp and Edwards spent 2024 together on the Bills. This detail seems minute in theory, but has far greater practical implications. This relationship gave the Saints an instant advantage, as Clapp could vogue for the organization and help try to persuade him from a trusted source.
Obviously money played a major role in the negotiations as well. Edwards was given a four-year, $61 million contract, which is the 15th highest guard contract in the NFL. This is a hefty cost, but is well worth it for the Saints.
This is an expensive deal for David Edwards… but it could have been way worseÂ
A $15.25 million annual contract sounds lucrative for Edwards, but this is an amazing deal for the Saints. Some projections had his contract north of $20 million per year, which would’ve resulted in the team being far less active in free agency. Instead, they secured him for cheaper and could afford the accompanying moves.
We will likely never know what Edwards’ other contract offers were, but it’s not irrational to assume other teams were in a similar ballpark to the Saints. His relationship with Clapp was likely a key separator from other suitors and helped the Saints seal the deal. Because of this, they now have their answer at guard and an upgraded offensive line to protect Tyler Shough.
Will Clapp won’t receive ample praise for his role in the signing of David Edwards, but he played a part. His relationship with Edwards gave the Saints an instant advantage and helped them acquire the guard at a reasonable price.