Saints poach key Josh Allen protector on $61M deal to help Tyler Shough instead

Mar 10, 2026 - 00:00

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Saints poach key Josh Allen protector on $61M deal to help Tyler Shough instead originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New Orleans Saints entered the 2026 offseason with a few key needs to address on the offensive side of the ball.

Wide receiver, running back, and left guard were the big needs. And while WR is still unresolved, the Saints are in agreement with Travis Etienne Jr. on a $52 million deal, and not long after, they've added a key protector for Tlyer Shough.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints are in agreement on a $61 million contract with former Buffalo Bills offensive guard David Edwards. The veteran guard goes from protecting Josh Allen to protecting Shough.

Saints to sign David Edwards to $61M deal

"Former Bills G David Edwards is signing a 4-year, $61 million deal with the Saints, per source," Schefter reports.

This signing for the Saints, which, like the Etienne deal, won't be official until Wednesday, is a massive pickup for the Saints.

Edwards is landing a $15 million per-year deal, and it's well-deserved. He's been a key lineman for the Los Angeles Rams and the Bills in his seven-year career.

He's made 16 starts the last two seasons, and has been a stalwart for the Bills as a protector for Allen and blocker for James Cook.

More: Chris Olave predicted to land massive contract extension this offseason

This is a great pickup for the Saints, and a big deal for Edwards, the 28-year-old offensive guard.

After three seasons with the Bills, Edwards is now joining the Saints as their new starting left guard. With Kelvin Banks, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, and Taliese Fuaga, the Saints have built a complete offensive line for Shough.

Along with the pickup of Etienne, the Saints have transformed their offense for the better this offseason. Shough has a much better situation around him already, and the Saints still have money to spend and a top-10 pick they could use on a superstar WR.