The Buffalo Bills are doing their part to improve the interior of their offensive line.
After signing Connor McGovern early in free agency from the Dallas Cowboys, the Bills announced a one-year deal with David Edwards, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, on Thursday. Edwards, 26, is a legitimate contender to start at one of team’s guard spots in 2023 based on his play early in his career and a connection to a Bills coach.
Following the signing, here is what you need to know about Edwards.
Aaron Kromer guy
The Rams drafted Edwards in the fifth round (pick 169) of the 2019 NFL draft. For the first two seasons of his career, Edwards’ offensive line coach was Aaron Kromer. Kromer currently serves as Buffalo’s OL coach and likely pushed for a reunion with Edwards.
On Thursday, Edwards noted his familiarity with Kromer played a big role in him joining the Bills.
“I think the world of him as a football coach,” Edwards told the media. “The way he teaches the game schematically and technique wise is awesome.
Improved significantly under Kromer from Year 1 to Year 2
In Edwards’ rookie season, he played 689 snaps. During that time, Edwards was penalized nine times and allowed one sack. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Edwards a 61.0 grade as a rookie.
Edwards’ second season saw him play 1,006 snaps. Despite having over 300 more snaps in his second season, Edwards was penalized just once the entire year while allowing three sacks. PFF gave Edwards a 70.3 grade that season, a career-high to date.
Plenty of starting experience
In his four seasons in the league, Edwards has started in 45 regular season games for the Rams while appearing in 53 total games. He also brings playoff experience starting in five postseason games including all four of the Rams’ playoff games in 2021 that culminated in winning Super Bowl LVI.
Concussions are a concern
The Rams put Edwards on the injured reserve in early October this season. The move came after Edwards was put in the concussion protocol for the second time in two weeks.
Edwards was designated to return on November 16th, but his 21-day window closed without him returning to the field. While it’s possible that Edwards could have returned, the Rams made the decision to shut him down for the season.
Buffalo obviously did their due diligence on Edwards before signing him, but this is something to monitor in 2023.
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