Bills' Sneakiest Signing Adds Possible David Edwards Successor for $1.3 Million

It has a chance to play out similarly to the situation three years ago when the Buffalo Bills signed offensive lineman David Edwards to a one-year, low-cost contract.

Now, as the Bills look to replace Edwards in the starting lineup after losing the left guard to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, general manager Brandon Beane is taking a flier on another interior offensive lineman.

The Bills signed eight-year veteran Austin Corbett to a one-year agreement. Although additional terms have not been revealed, the salary is presumably not much more, if any, than the $1.3 million NFL minimum for players with at least seven seasons of service time.

"You're going to add a guy with a lot of starting experience in an Austin Corbett for a lower price. Why? Not because of his ability, but because he's had some injury issues," said Beane at the league meetings in Phoenix.

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The 30-year-old Corbett, a former Super Bowl champion, has 78 career starts under his belt. After starting all 17 games for the 2022 Carolina Panthers, Corbett made only nine total appearances over the ensuing two seasons due to a combination of an ACL tear, MCL issue and biceps injury. He played 13 games in 2025.

Jul 24, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett (63) and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) walk off after practice at training camp. | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Competing to start

Corbett's resume instantly makes him a candidate to fill the starting left guard spot vacated by Edwards, who signed a four-year, $61 million deal with the Saints.

"Our biggest hole, losing Dave Edwards, is at left, so there will be competition there," said Beane.

Returning on a one-year contract, fledgling utilityman Alec Anderson currently projects as the new starter solely based upon familiarity. While primarily serving in a sixth offensive lineman role, the 26-year-old Anderson made starts at right tackle and left guard in 2025.

Alec Anderson protects — Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Alec Anderson (70) blocks against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In terms of overall experience, however, the nod goes to Corbett, who, coincidentally, was selected 26 picks after the Bills took Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft.

"Between now and when we get pads on and all that, I think it'll be a wide open competition," said Beane.

Parallels to Edwards

First, and foremost, Corbett and Edwards were actually starting line mates for two seasons (2020, 2021) with the Los Angeles Rams.

While Edwards started at left guard for the Super Bowl LVI champions, Corbett held down the right side. He made all 21 starts from Week 1 through Super Sunday.

In another parallel, Corbett signed with the Bills on a prove-it contract in the wake of durability issues. When Edwards received a one-year contract worth $1.7 million from Buffalo in 2023, he was coming off a season that was derailed by multiple concussions.

The Bills took a chance on Edwards, and it paid off for both parties. Now, they'll try to do it again with Corbett as a potential replacement.