Report: Saints Interested in WR Bryan Edwards

New Orleans could add another physical wideout as depth behind Olave, Thomas, and Shaheed. One reported candidate has familiarity with the Saints newly signed quarterback.

Author:
Bob Rose
Updated:
Mar 25, 2023 6:40 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 25, 2023

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are showing interest in free-agent WR Bryan Edwards. This was first reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football earlier this week.

Edwards was a third-round choice by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He had 234 receptions for 3,045 yards and 22 touchdowns in four collegiate seasons, including over 790 yards in his last three campaigns.

Edwards appeared in 12 games as a rookie. However, he was hampered by an ankle injury and had just 11 catches for 193 yards. Playing with QB Derek Carr, the new quarterback of the Saints, Edwards saw a breakout performance in his second year. He had 34 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns in 2021, including five games of at least 60 yards.

The Raiders traded Edwards to Atlanta last offseason. He'd have just three catches for 15 yards with the Falcons before being released after seven games. Kansas City would pick him up, but he'd remain on the Chiefs practice squad until being released at the end of the regular season.

The 24-year-old Edwards is a physical wideout at 6'3" and 212-Lbs. He adds little as a downfield threat, but is a sure-handed target over the middle and in traffic. He'll win most contested throws because he uses his body well and has strong hands.

Edwards would compete for a spot in a New Orleans receiving corps that includes 2022 first-round star Chris Olave, former All-Pro Michael Thomas, and 2022 undrafted playmaker Rashid Shaheed.

Dec 12, 2021; Raiders receiver Bryan Edwards (89) catches a pass against Kansas City cornerback Mike Hughes (21). Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY

New Orleans ranked 16th in passing production last year after ranking an abysmal 32nd in 2021. Olave and Shaheed certainly helped the rise in production. However, the offense often struggled without a physical target once Thomas was lost for the year in Week 3.

The Saints are looking for another big and physical receiver to go along with Thomas, who's played in only 10 games the last three years. Edwards not only checks off that need, but also has important familiarity with Derek Carr.