Buffalo Bills:Can They Sign Dwan Edwards, Andra Davis to a Contract?

So far, the Buffalo Bills have yet to make a major splash in the current offseason free agency market. If you are of the opinion that Cornell Green and Joe Klopfenstein were major splashes, then you probably also thought that Marv Levy was the greatest general manager in Bills history.

However, there is still hope on the horizon.

Two noteworthy defensive players are visiting the Bills today. Either player would be considered to be a boost to the Bills defense, and to add some much-needed depth. The players in question are Denver Broncos linebacker Andra Davis and Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Dwan Edwards.

From an article on NBC Sports by Greg Rosenthal, he ranked Dwan Edwards as the ninth best free agent in the market, ahead of players such as Colts linebacker Gary Bracket and the Bills own wide receiver Terrell Owens.

Why is Dwan Edwards thought of so highly?

For starters, the Bills could plug him in to any of the front three defensive line positions in their new 3-4 alignment. He comes from an aggressive Baltimore Raven's defense, and that experience and commitment to shutting down opposition offense is something that can rub off on the younger Bills.

Edwards was drafted by Baltimore in the second round in 2004. Since then he has appeared in 56 games, recorded 120 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and one touchdown. His size (6'3" and 315 pounds) will be an asset to the new Bills defense.

Andra Davis came in to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns as a fifth round pick in 2002. The ex-Gator led the Browns in tackles twice (136 in 2203, and 149 in 2005 which was his career high). Davis was released by the Browns after the 2008 season, and played one year for Denver, before being released again.

Although he has had a significant number of tackles in his career, 733, he isn't exactly a turnover creating machine, as he has generated four forced fumbles and eight interceptions. He has also recorded 12 sacks in his career.

I figure that he will give Kawika Mitchell some competition for the inside linebacker role and give the Bills some much needed depth there.

One other thought regarding Davis is that he may also serve as an insurance policy in the event that Aaron Schobel decides to retire.

The two months Schobel had asked for while he mulls his future has come and gone without any answer. So, if he does hang it up, the Bills could allow Mitchell to stay as an outside linebacker, while Davis occupies the spot next to Posluszny on the inside.

So far, the Bills were unable to land role players like Jimmy Kennedy who signed with the Vikings, and Wade Smith, who signed with Houston Texans. So, it is up to Ralph Wilson, Buddy Nix, and Chan Gailey to convince Dwan and Andra that they are wanted and needed and that they will be well compensated.

Can they and will they step up to the plate? We should all find out soon enough.

EDITOR's NOTE: The Bills did in fact sign Andra Davis to a two year contract on March 16th, while Dwan Edwards left Buffalo without any contract in hand. Davis mentioned that he played under both Defensive Coordinator George Edwards in Cleveland and with linebackers coach Bob Sanders at the University of Florida. That factored in to his decision to join the Bills.