On Monday, the Buffalo Bills dealt backup offensive lineman Ryan Bates to the Chicago Bears, granting themselves some cap flexibility but getting thinner in the trenches.
By Wednesday they stopped the bleeding. Buffalo signed guard David Edwards to a two-year extension worth $6 million, per NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
The move ensures a key piece of the Bills’ depth remains in Western New York as general manager Brandon Beane works around a murky cap situation.
Edwards’ deal includes $2.95 million in guaranteed money and a $1.75 million signing bonus. Per Wilson, additional active roster bonuses and playing time incentives are baked into the contract as well.
Despite his limited playing time, keeping continuity in the trenches – even with the second-stringers – remained important. With Bates on the move, retaining Edwards only became more important.
Edwards, entering his age-27 season, began his career with the Los Angeles Rams where he logged all of his 45 career starts. Primarily playing left guard, his versatility hasn’t been relied on much, but he’s seen snaps at every spot on the offensive line except for center. He hasn’t played on the right side since his rookie season (2019) and has rarely played tackle, rendering him an emergency option.
Notably, Edwards also saw time as an in-line tight end in Buffalo – 116 snaps to be exact – helping out in heavier sets that demanded an extra offensive lineman.
By Pro Football Focus’ grading, his lone season in Buffalo was by far his best, but he has a long enough track record to be considered a strong depth option for the Bills.
Getting as many as the offense’s needs out of the way before free agency begins should help keep Beane’s options open to address the key losses on the other side of the ball.
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