Competitive Camp: Newcomer David Edwards One of Bills' 'Best Five' OL?
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David Edwards brings physical skills and Super Bowl experience to a team desperate to protect its franchise quarterback.
But where - and how - exactly will the former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman fit into the Buffalo Bills in 2023? After signing a one-year contract earlier this week, at his introductory press conference in Buffalo Friday Edwards said he's both versatile and flexible.
"The best five (offensive linemen) are going to play," Edwards said. "That was really what we talked about. 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.”
On their short list of priorities this offseason, the Bills looked to upgrade their protection of Josh Allen. To that end, here comes a Super Bowl champion in Edwards and a former starter for the Dallas Cowboys in Connor McGovern. Edwards will likely compete in training camp for job on the line with McGovern, Ryan Bates and Ike Boettger.
Edwards, who turned 26 this week, has spent the past four seasons in Los Angeles where he started at guard. Before missing most of last season with multiple concussions, Edwards had played in 49 out of a possible 49 games, plus four playoff games and a Super Bowl win. He played only four games in 2022.
Edwards, a behemoth at 6-6, 308 pounds, was L.A.'s fifth-round draft choice out of Wisconsin in 2019. He just finished his four-year, $2.8 million rookie contract and is testing the waters of free agency.
General manager Brandon Beane is committed to improving the talent around - but mostly in front of - Allen. The franchise quarterback has been sacked at least 26 times in each of his five NFL seasons, including 33 last season.
Edwards is also reuniting with Aaron Kromer, who was the Rams' offensive line coach before returning to Buffalo.
Said Edwards, "I owe a ton to Aaron for who I am as a player today.”
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