The New Orleans Saints signed former New York Giants and Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Mario Edwards, per multiple reports. Nick Underhill of the Advocate first reported the signing, and NBC Pro Football Talk first reported the contract details at two years, $5 million, with $1.5 million tacked on in incentives.
Edwards is a unique addition at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds with experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle. Expect him to line up inside more often than not, bridging the gap until Sheldon Rankins returns from his Achilles injury. Edwards is just 25 years old after playing for the Giants and Raiders.
At just $2.5 million per year, Edwards’ contract will not stop the Saints from signing other free agents under consideration. His presence as a versatile backup should also not keep the team from looking to add other players to the defensive line. So for the Saints, this is a low-cost move that shouldn’t hurt the team should it not work out.
