Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
Offensive line additions don’t usually get a ton of attention during the offseason, but that wasn’t the case for the New Orleans Saints’ addition of guard David Edwards. Help on the interior of the offensive line was one of the team’s most significant needs going into the free agency period, and New Orleans managed to land the offseason’s No. 1 option to help in the area.
Edwards Immediately Plugs in as a Starter
Surprising to no one, Edwards will immediately take on a starting role in New Orleans. That was the entire point of the signing, after all. The former Buffalo Bills lineman will slot into the Saints’ open left guard role upon arrival to the team facility.
Edwards primarily manned that role throughout his career beginning with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 and continued with Buffalo.
He’ll add a force in the run blocking game as well as a stout anchor as a pass blocker, mitigating some of the quick pressures the Saints surrendered last season.
David Edwards allowed just four quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds) in 2025 for a 0.7% quick pressure rate, the 3rd-lowest among left guards with 300+ pass blocks.
All-Pros Joe Thuney and Quenton Nelson were the only left guards to allow lower marks.@Saints | #Saints https://t.co/VRSzcxuN5h pic.twitter.com/cV9G2Kig3R
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 9, 2026
With former starters at the position not currently on the Saints’ roster, there’s no competition for Edwards. Should the Saints look to re-sign guard Dillon Radunz, the 2025 starter would likely be viewed as valuable depth with starting experience.
The Starting Interior is Set
Along with Edwards, the team’s interior appears to be ready to go for the year. Starting center Erik McCoy is looking to return strong from a second consecutive season shortened by injury and right guard Cesar Ruiz will be expected to answer the challenge general manager Mickey Loomis laid out to him in the team’s end of year press conference.
New Orleans would love for this group of three to anchor their interior throughout the entire season, but expecting any NFL offensive line group to hold steady for 17 games would be unrealistic. That’s where valuable depth becomes important.
The Battle for Depth
On the roster, the Saints already have a few options. Second-year player Torricelli Simpkins III became a quick fan favorite despite an overall average to below average start; unlike what should be expected for an undrafted rookie. Simpkins’ potential is apparent and that should put him on the forefront of the competition to hold a roster spot behind the starter.
Guard William Sherman was relied upon late in the year as injuries piled up for the team. He was credited with nine pressures and just one sack allowed, but also only saw 120 pass blocking snaps.
Offensive lineman Asim Richards is likely to be the top rotational player in 2026. While he has mostly focused at tackle, he has guard flexibility. His role is likely locked in for the next year as the team’s go-to depth option.
2023 fourth-round selection Nick Saldiveri may be set to return for his contract year, but is largely unknown. His potential coming out of Old Dominion was undeniable. However, injuries have been the story of his career. Out of a maximum 51 regular season games, he’s appeared in only 15 through his first three seasons. He was sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 year.
Saints Shouldn’t be Finished with this Group
While the starters are in place and Edwards is a massively important addition, the Saints shouldn’t consider themselves done here. From starters to depth, there are too many question marks. Investing further in this group, via free agency and the NFL Draft, would be a wise investment.
There are talented players at guard that are sure to be available in Days 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft. Selecting one of them and adding another veteran in free agency could help to take the Saints from having just improved their starting interior offensive line talent to bolstering the entire position group.
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