Bryan

Edwards

Edwards is again searching for a new team after being cut by the Saints following a five-month stint. The former third-round pick has struggled to live up to his draft capital since being drafted by the Raiders in 2020 and has just 48 receptions for 779 yards and four touchdowns in 35 career games. It’s possible he lands on some team’s practice squad in the coming days, but a 53-man roster may not be in his future any time soon.

A former third-round pick by the Raiders in 2020, Edwards reunites with Derek Carr in New Orleans. Edwards now joins his fourth roster in three years, after previously playing for the Falcons and Chiefs last year. Through 35 career games, Edwards has posted a line of 48-779-4. Fantasy managers fell in love with Edwards’ physical attributes during the 2020 pre-draft process, but he’s failed to deliver anything of significant value. He’s nothing more than a deep dynasty stash at this point, as he’s far from a lock to make the Saints’ 53-man roster.

The No. 81 overall pick of the 2020 Draft by the Raiders, Edwards was acquired for a fifth-round pick last spring but has spent most of 2022 as a healthy scratch. Considering the lack of competition in this receiver corps, it’s an indication Edwards just doesn’t have it at the NFL level. He is only 24 years old, so perhaps he will get a third chance.

Edwards was made a healthy scratch earlier in the year and appears to be getting the same treatment this week. Acquired via trade in the offseason, Edwards has just three catches this season.

Our guess is the Falcons are in fact down on Edwards, who has just one catch through two games and appeared on just 16 snaps in the team’s Week 2 game against the Rams. The Falcons supposedly wanted to get a look at some other players, which led to Edwards being a healthy scratch on Sunday. If he was viewed as a key member of the offense, Atlanta would have found another way to get a look at other players while keeping Edwards active. He can be dropped in all leagues.

Edwards’ second chance in Atlanta has resulted in a healthy scratch after he caught just one ball through his first two games. Feel free to drop him in 14-team leagues.

Edwards was tied for eighth in targets with Avery Williams. Both Olamide Zaccheaus and KhaDarel Hodge were more involved in the receiver corps. Moving on.

Edwards suffered his shoulder injury over the weekend, with the team ruling him as “day to day” on Monday. His return to the field on Tuesday, even with a non-contact jersey, is an encouraging sign that he should be back to full strength soon. Atlanta swapped late-round picks with the Raiders to acquire Edwards this offseason, but his target volume in this offense will be spotty at best. Even if healthy, there’s no reason to be adding Edwards to your fantasy rosters.

Smith didn’t give a timetable for Edwards’ return but said the team is taking it “day by day.” Atlanta swapped late-round picks with the Raiders to acquire Edwards. The former third-round pick has a good shot at taking the field in three-receiver sets, though that says more about Atlanta’s depleted receiver room than it does about Edwards. Damiere Byrd took reps with the first team with Edwards sidelined. Outside of Drake London, the Falcons’ receivers can be left off fantasy rosters.

Edwards reportedly injured his arm during the 11-on-11 portion of practice. According to Falcons beat writer Michael Rothstein, Edwards “got up holding his right arm” and went to the locker room after doctors had a look at him. Head coach Arthur Smith said after practice that he doesn’t believe Edwards’ injury is anything serious, but that the team will do imaging to be sure. Edwards is looking to emerge as Atlanta’s WR2 this season after the team acquired him from the Raiders earlier this offseason. Through his first two years in the league, Edwards has totaled 45 receptions for 764 yards and four scores, doing little to stand out during his time in Vegas.