David Edwards brings a lot of what we’re familiar with as he joins the Buffalo Bills offensive line.
Edwards, 26, signed a one-year deal with the team. Buffalo brings Edwards on board after notably signing Connor McGovern to a three-year contract and the Bills re-signed Ike Boettger.
Like those two and others on the Bills offensive line, Edwards is versatile.
But that doesn’t tell us what the plan is.
During Edwards’ introductory press conference, he did not give any indication he’s coming to Buffalo to settle on a reserve role. Instead, he sees a chance, regardless of who is around him.
“The best five are going to play. That was really what we talked about,” Edwards said. “I was really looking for a good fit and a good opportunity and there’s no better opportunity than I have with Buffalo.”
“I’m excited for whatever position I get to play,” he added.
Edwards said he can play anywhere on the offensive line, however, he indicated part of those referenced discussions he had with the Bills prior to signing involved the guard position. That puts him likely in competition with McGovern, Boettger and Ryan Bates this summer for a job.
In addition to the opportunity, Edwards noted his relationship with Aaron Kromer, Buffalo’s offensive line coach. Kromer held that same position with the Rams prior to his return to the Bills.
“I owe a ton to Aaron for who I am as a player today,” Edwards said.
If Edwards is to grab a starting position, his health and pass protection has to improve in 2023.
Suffering at least two concussions last season, Edwards was shut down after four games for the rest of the year. He did not want to discuss that issue, but did note he’s healthy now.
That time Edwards missed was the only time in his career he was sidelined due to injury, so there should be optimism he can stay healthy.
When Edwards was on the field last season, his ability to stop the pass rush was brutal. That’s exactly where Buffalo is aiming to improve on the offensive line.
While speaking about McGovern, general manager Brandon Beane noted his ability to pass protect was an appealing skill about his game. It’s likely the desire to improve in that area doesn’t end at McGovern, it applies to everyone.
Last season, Pro Football Focus graded the 6-foot-6, 308-pounder an awful mark in pass blocking: 27.8. Edwards’ run blocking mark was much better, 75.6.
However, Edwards was graded better in the past. In 2021 when he won the Super Bowl with Los Angeles, Edwards only allowed six sacks the entire season which ranked amongst the NFL’s best. In 2020, that total was down to only three and it helped him earn a career-best 70.3 PFF grade.
While Edwards might look potentially like a strong depth signing, he might have the tools to push for a much bigger role with the Bills.
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