New Orleans, La. (WWL Sports/WGR Sports Radio 550) - The New Orleans Saints were rolling on a monster day of "legal tampering" free agent news with a signing that addresses a clear need with a premier player.
Now with the NFL Free Agency period officially opening Wednesday, the Saints announced the signing of former standout Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards to a four-year deal, reportedly worth $61 million.
The deal means the Saints have addressed three of their biggest needs on the first unofficial day of free agency, also adding a top-of-the-market running back in Travis Etienne and punter Ryan Wright.
The 28-year-old Edwards, listed at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, was thought of by many to be the top available free agent at his position. He'll slot in immediately for the Saints at left guard, a position that was a revolving door the past few seasons.
The team attempted to convert Trevor Penning to guard last year with mixed returns before trading him to the Los Angeles Chargers at the NFL Trade Deadline. From there, it was journeyman Dillon Radunz and other injury replacements.
Edwards will slot into an impressive group on paper that features three former first-round picks in right guard Cesar Ruiz, left tackle Kelvin Banks and right tackle Taliese Fuaga.
The biggest potential concern likely comes with Erik McCoy, who is a premier NFL center when on the field, but has been limited to seven games each of the past two seasons due to injury.
The Saints are hoping Edwards can help solidify the offensive line group in front of quarterback Tyler Shough, who took over midway through the season and led the Saints to a 5-4 finish after a 1-7 start to the year.
Edwards was originally a fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 NFL Draft, and has played the past three seasons for the Bills, appearing in 50 games (32 starts). He is also a former teammate of Will Clapp, who has been hired to the Saints' coaching staff after an eight-year NFL career.
