Wisconsin continues to prove that it is OL-U as another offensive lineman signs a huge payday just days after Tyler Biadasz signed a big contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. This time it's former Badger David Edwards who has signed a 4-year deal with the New Orleans Saints for $61 million dollars.
Edwards has a remarkable story from being a quarterback in high school in Illinois to a Wisconsin standout, almost leaving after his sophomore year for the NFL, and now has cashed in twice using the NFL Free Agency.
Former Bills G David Edwards is signing a 4-year, $61 million deal with the Saints, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
Former Badger David Edwards has signed a big deal with the New Orleans Saints
Related: Former Badger Tyler Biadasz cashes in with new opportunity after Commanders cut
Edwards wasn't a big kid and only weighed about 210 pounds soaking wet in high school, and came to Wisconsin with the idea he would be a tight end. But as he got into the weight training program at Wisconsin, he began to bulk up. Redshirtting his freshman year, turning into an offensive lineman his sophomore year, and was immediately impressive.
In the 2017 season, he was voted a First Team All-American by the coaches' association. The Chicago Tribune reported that he considered heading to the 2018 NFL Draft, but legendary Wisconsin lineman Joe Thomas talked him into staying for another season. Saying, "you'll remember your final year in school more than your first year in the NFL."
Edwards would eventually get drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round. He helped them win a Super Bowl (LVI). In 2023, he took advantage of the NFL Free Agency for the first time and landed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, and then a follow-up extension for two years and $6 million.
Now, he really cashes in with a 4-year and $61 million deal. The New Orleans Saints clearly see him as part of the solution to the offensive line woes they've had of late. Edwards is a great player and has once again reminded people that Wisconsin linemen get paid in the NFL.