Saints $61 Million Offseason Move Already Looks Like Home Run Addition

The Saints took a big risk going after David Edwards, but it was seemingly the right move to make...

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles behind guard David Edwards (76) during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints were in a disastrous spot when they hired Kellen Moore to become their next head coach last offseason. Moore wasn't stepping into a good situation with the Saints. They didn't have a franchise quarterback once Derek Carr retired, but he was swiftly replaced by Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Saints have worked to build their roster over the last two years, with a lot of moves being made to bolster the team. This offseason, the Saints made a few big moves rather than a slew of mid-tier moves. They added Tracis Etienne as the top addition of their offseason, while also signing former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman David Edwards to bolster their offensive line. After losing Demario Davis in free agency, the Saints added Kaden Elliss to replace him.

All of these moves will help to push the Saints in the right direction under the leadership of Moore and Shough. The Saints should be even better in 2026 than they were for the last few seasons, especially after these additions.

Eva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen, and Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated recently put together a list of the top 50 free agency signings of the offseason this year. They ranked the Saints' addition of Edwards inside the top 10, praising it as one of the best moves made all offseason.

Saints made the right decision signing David Edwards

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards (76) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

"The Saints’ offensive line got an upgrade with the signing of Edwards, who has spent the past three seasons on one of the best offensive lines in Buffalo," they wrote.

Edwards is set to upgrade a massive hole in the middle of the Saints' offensive line. He's a veteran leader who's played on multiple solid offensive lines. Adding him next to the Saints young offensive tackles will certainly be best for their development.

It's also going to be huge for Shough's development, as he's going to have another reliable veteran to lean on. And the Saints were able to sign Edwards without breaking the bank, as they continue to fix their cap situation that's been horrible for years.

The fact that the Saints were able to make a few big moves is a huge step in the right direction. The fact that Edwards is a core piece of the team going forward is the best-case scenario for New Orleans.