The New Orleans Saints hosted former New York Giants defensive lineman Mario Edwards on a free agent visit, per multiple sources including Nick Underhill of the Advocate. Edwards, just 25, tips the scales at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds and has experience playing in both three- and four-man fronts at either defensive end or defensive tackle. He would figure to slot into the spot vacated by Sheldon Rankins (recovering from injury) and David Onyemata (possible suspension).
Edwards played the 2018 season with the Giants after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He logged 5.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss of yards over the last two years as a part-time player in New York and Oakland.
The Saints need someone like Edwards to fill in until Rankins and Onyemata return to action early in the 2019 season. He isn’t a player who should command top dollar, and could benefit from working with talented Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen. It’s easy to project his role with the Saints.
