By Ross Jackson<\/p>\n
It has been a busy offseason for the New Orleans Saints<\/a>. After maintaining all but one member of the team\u2019s coaching staff, New Orleans went on to build a strong class of newly signed free agents.\u00a0<\/p>\n While much attention has been given to the addition of explosive running back Travis Etienne Jr. and his return to Louisiana, the signing of former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman David Edwards may end up being the most impactful move of the team\u2019s offseason, thus far.<\/p>\n Going into his eighth NFL season, Edwards will immediately slot in as the Saints\u2019 starting left guard. The position has seen a rotation of contributors in recent years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since the 2024 departure of 2015 first-round selection Andrus Peat<\/a>, the Saints saw a number of starters at the position over the last two seasons. Journeyman offensive lineman Lucas Patrick<\/a> assumed the role to begin the 2024 year, but injuries forced him to center and later out of the lineup entirely.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2025, veteran lineman Dillon Radunz<\/a> took over the position until former first-round tackle-turned-guard Trevor Penning<\/a> returned from injury. There were also other contributors mixed in at the spot over those years including Landon Young<\/a>, Kyle Hergel<\/a> and Torricelli Simpkins III<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n For the first time since 2023, the Saints are set to have a consistent starter at the position, one that could hold down the role for a number of years.<\/p>\n Edwards\u2019 6-foot-6, 308-pound frame is a perfect match for head coach Kellen Moore<\/a>\u2019s successful Philadelphia Eagles offensive line build and brings good movement ability and strength to both the pass and run blocking sides of the game.<\/p>\n Etienne\u2019s signing is exciting for many looking for an explosive run game to return to New Orleans. However, such an element of playmaking can\u2019t be realized without linemen to lead the way. Similarly, the most intriguing player going into the 2026 season is second-year quarterback Tyler Shough<\/a>, whose impressive rookie season and intentional offseason have drawn much praise.<\/p>\n Keeping Shough clean and upright will be incredibly important to the team\u2019s success and ability to compete this year. Edwards helps to make that more possible.<\/p>\n While the Saints\u2019 signal caller saw the sixth-lowest pressure percentage among all quarterbacks to take at least 200 dropbacks in 2026, his 8.7% sack percentage was one of the eight highest in the NFL. A player like Edwards can help to lessen the impact of the pressures as they come.<\/p>\n