Saints Linked to Free-Agent Guard David Edwards as Bills Face Cap Pressure
Guard david edwards is drawing free-agency interest from the New Orleans Saints as Buffalo faces roster sacrifices after its acquisition of DJ Moore from the Bears, a move that could squeeze the club’s ability to keep key linemen when free agency opens. The Bills also re-signed center Connor McGovern on Saturday, further clouding Edwards’ return.
Buffalo Bills weigh cap realities after DJ Moore move
Buffalo’s addition of DJ Moore came with what was described as a big contract, and that financial commitment has put pressure on the team to make sacrifices elsewhere. One area flagged for potential change is the offensive line, where a two-year starter could depart once the market opens.
In that context, david edwards stands out as one of two key free agents the Bills have up front. The combination of Moore’s deal and Buffalo’s broader cap picture was framed as making it unlikely the team can keep Edwards, even using the franchise tag.
Buffalo’s situation was illustrated with an estimate that the club is about $13 million over the salary cap, even after cutting a few players. A projection from Spotrac also put Edwards at the top of the interior offensive line market, with an expected contract of about $20 million per year.
New Orleans Saints identified as a possible landing spot for David Edwards
Jacob Camenker of predicted the New Orleans Saints will sign Edwards in free agency, a move described as potentially detrimental to Buffalo’s blocking unit. Camenker wrote that the Saints have spent recent draft capital along the offensive line but still have a hole at left guard.
Edwards has started at left guard for the Bills for the past two seasons, and he ranked 10th among interior offensive linemen in ’s run blocking win rate metric. His 71. 4 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 19th out of 81 qualified guards last season, while his pass protection grade of 73. 0 ranked 14th.
Connor McGovern deal and Brandon Beane comments frame Buffalo’s next steps
Saturday’s re-signing of Connor McGovern was cited as another factor reducing the likelihood that Edwards returns to Orchard Park. General manager Brandon Beane addressed the possibility of losing free agents at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, saying, “There’s no hard feelings if they go maximize their dollars and we can’t afford it. That’s our job, ” and adding that the team must be prepared to find replacements.
Edwards, a seven-year veteran, has made 37 starts for Buffalo over the last two seasons, including the playoffs, and the reports characterized him as providing leadership while nearing a sizable free-agency payday.
In another Saints-related thread, Mike Garafolo wrote on March 7, 2026 that Connor McGovern is back for Buffalo while David Edwards “seems headed to the market, ” noting that Edwards’ former teammate Will Clapp has started his coaching career with the Saints and that money will be a key factor as free agency begins.
