The Los Angeles Rams parted ways with offensive lineman David Edwards after the 2022 NFL season. It was a mutual parting of ways, as Edwards had struggled with multiple concussions. At the time, not much more thought was given to the young offensive lineman beyond wishing him luck.
Luck is something he didn’t need.
He rejoined his former offensive line coach, Aaron Kromer, when he signed with the Buffalo Bills. There, he only played spot duty. But the following year, he managed to earn the starting guard position. In the past two seasons, he has played over 2000 offensive snaps in 33 games. Suffice it to say that he’s no longer worrying about his NFL career.
In fact, he was recently named among the 2026 top 15 NFL free agents. It’s just one more example of how patience and the right coaching can make all the difference in an NFL player’s career.
David Edwards got much better in the past 2 seasons
The LA Rams relied on David Edwards as a starting offensive guard. In fact, over four seasons, he appeared in 53 games while starting 45 of them. His vacancy was expected to be filled by interior offensive lineman Logan Bruss. When Bruss struggled after injury, general manager Les Snead shopped for veteran Kevin Dotson.
Of course, Los Angeles is quite pleased with Dotson, and there is no chance the team becomes a bidder for David Edwards in free agency. Still, there is a lesson to be learned here.
The team did not stand behind Edwards. Instead, his former coach believed enough in him to give him a shot. The offensive lineman repaid that trust many times over by earning a starting role on a perennial playoff contender.
Many players on the hottest free agents list were shed by the team that had originally drafted them. It’s just one more example of how patience can truly pay off. And with another NFL free agency market on the verge of opening to commemorate the start of the 2026 NFL season, perhaps fans will understand if LA does not give up on all players with expiring contracts.
As always, thanks for reading.