The Saints are adding a defensive end. Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate tweets that the team is expected to sign Mario Edwards Jr. today. It will be a two-year, $5MM deal with $1.5MM “upside for sacks,” according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com (via Twitter).
The 25-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Giants in September after having spent the first three seasons of his career with the Raiders. The former second-rounder proceeded to play in 15 games for the Giants, compiling 14 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
While Edwards didn’t play enough snaps (232) to earn a spot on Pro Football Focus‘ interior defender rankings, his grade indicates that he performed as an above-average lineman in 2018.
We heard earlier this week that the Saints had interest in Edwards. The lineman would likely play a backup role behind Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. Edwards would also be competing with Trey Hendrickson and Tomasi Laulile for reps.
Good value but if this is the case, we should kick him inside. He’s not fast or agile enough to come off the edge in our 4-3. But pairing him with Rankins and Onyemata would be formidable for the DT spots. Meanwhile, Malcom Brown and Stallworth would rotate in and out of the Nose. I would still love to see them sign another veteran pass rusher. Clay Matthews doesn’t have much left in the tank, but the leadership he would bring is invaluable