Bills Seek New Left Guard After Edwards' Departure

Veteran Austin Corbett signed to help fill void left by David Edwards' move to Saints

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented elements of a football offensive line, with sharp planes of navy, royal blue, and white representing the complex challenge of replacing a key starter.The Bills' offensive line faces a pivotal transition as the team seeks to replace a key piece in Pro Bowl guard David Edwards.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills have enjoyed remarkable continuity along their offensive line over the past two seasons, but that will change with the departure of left guard David Edwards. Edwards was recently signed by the New Orleans Saints to a four-year contract worth up to $61 million. The Bills have signed veteran guard Austin Corbett as a potential replacement, setting up what head coach Sean McDermott described as a 'wide-open competition' to fill the left guard spot.

Why it matters

The Bills' offensive line has been a key strength of the team in recent years, providing strong protection for quarterback Josh Allen and opening holes for the running game. Maintaining that level of performance will be crucial as the Bills look to contend for another AFC East title and Super Bowl run. Finding the right replacement for Edwards at left guard will be an important offseason priority.

The details

Edwards started 32 games at left guard for the Bills over the past two seasons after being drafted in the fourth round in 2019. His steady play and durability were important factors in the Bills' offensive success. With Edwards now headed to the Saints, the Bills have signed veteran guard Austin Corbett, who has starting experience in the NFL, to compete for the left guard spot. Head coach Sean McDermott has said the competition to replace Edwards will be 'wide-open' during training camp and the preseason.

  • Edwards signed a four-year, $61 million contract with the Saints on March 25, 2026.
  • The Bills signed veteran guard Austin Corbett on March 27, 2026.

The players

David Edwards

A former fourth-round draft pick of the Bills, Edwards started 32 games at left guard for the team over the past two seasons before signing a lucrative free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Austin Corbett

A veteran guard who the Bills signed in free agency to compete for the starting left guard spot vacated by David Edwards' departure.

Sean McDermott

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who has described the competition to replace David Edwards at left guard as a 'wide-open' battle.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to have a wide-open competition there at left guard. Austin Corbett is a guy we brought in to compete for that spot, and we'll see how it shakes out in training camp and the preseason.”

— Sean McDermott, Head Coach, Buffalo Bills

What’s next

The Bills will hold an open competition at left guard during training camp and the preseason to find a replacement for David Edwards. The winner of that competition is expected to be named the starting left guard prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Maintaining a strong offensive line has been a key priority for the Bills in recent years, and finding the right replacement for David Edwards at left guard will be crucial as the team looks to build on its recent success and make another deep playoff run.