The Buffalo Bills have built a formidable offensive line, one anchored by continuity and grit. However, with two key linemen—left guard David Edwards and center Connor McGovern—set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, the team faces critical decisions to maintain their trench dominance. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz has weighed in, strongly advocating for the Bills to lock up Edwards, whose performance has been nothing short of stellar for the price tag.
Schatz notes, “The Bills have two veterans on their offensive line entering free agency in 2026, and it would be a good idea to get at least one of them nailed down for an extra couple of years. I’m going with Edwards over center Connor McGovern, but the Bills should get by with either deal or both.” Edwards’ 2024 season was a breakout, with a pass block win rate of 93.5% (16th among qualifying guards) and an above-average run block win rate of 73.1%. At just 28 years old, Edwards is in the prime of his career, making him a cornerstone worth securing.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, the 6-foot-6, 308-pound Edwards brings size, experience, and a Super Bowl ring from his four seasons in L.A. After joining Buffalo in 2023, he didn’t start a single game that year but seized the starting left guard role in 2024, appearing in all 16 games. His current two-year, $6 million contract—with $3.76 million due in 2025—is an absolute steal for a player delivering at a level closer to $15 million annually on the open market.
Edwards’ rise from a backup to a linchpin of Buffalo’s offensive front is a testament to his work ethic and versatility. At 28 (he won’t turn 29 until March 2026), he offers the Bills a long-term solution at left guard, protecting Josh Allen and paving lanes for the run game. Extending Edwards now could save the Bills from a bidding war in free agency, where his market value could skyrocket.
The Bills’ offensive line has been a quiet strength, and Edwards is a perfect example of their knack for finding value. Locking him up long-term would not only maintain continuity but also keep a star performer at a bargain price. As Schatz suggests, securing Edwards—or even both he and McGovern—should be a priority. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, keeping the trenches intact is non-negotiable, and Edwards is proving he’s worth every penny and more.