Is Connor McGovern enough to fix the Buffalo Bills offensive line?
By Kevin Devine
David Edwards could be an ideal fit as a top backup for the Buffalo Bills
David Edwards was a fifth round pick by the Rams out of Wisconsin and has been a four-year starter for them. As an unrestricted free agent, set to see a major raise from the $2.79 million he earned in 2022, he makes little sense for a Rams team that has little hope of competing in 2023 and has salary cap issues of their own.
For the Buffalo Bills, he makes a ton of sense and may be the best fit among all of the free agent guards. He has played left guard, so he would add some versatility in case of an injury (or in case the Bills do not shift Ryan Bates). He also brings playoff experience, having started for the Rams during their run to Super Bowl LVI.
Like McGovern, Edwards is a massive man at 6’6” and 308 lbs. Also like McGovern, he is athletic and would seem to be a fit for what the Bills look for in O-linemen. Unlike McGovern, Edwards has struggled in pass protection and has been better as a run blocker in his career.
As a large, athletic, physical lineman who excels where other Bills linemen struggle, he would be an interesting option as a backup or rotational piece to give the Bills a somewhat different look on their line.
Edwards missed most of 2022 after reporting concussion symptoms in practice in early October. He was twice admitted to the NFL Concussion Protocol and shut down after being designated to return in November. If healthy, he could come at a steep discount on a one or two-year deal in order to rebuild his value.