Herm Edwards Talks NFL: Free Agency, Bucs QB Situation and More

Ten-year NFL veteran cornerback, former head coach and current analyst Herm Edwards joined Sport Scene Wednesday to talk recent news surrounding the NFL.

Free Agency

With the 2023 NFL draft just a month away, free agency is a crucial period for organizations around the league. Teams will either retain or allow players to explore options and sign with other teams. The strategy an organization builds leading up to the draft depends on what their objectives and needs are to replenish their roster or maintain what they have in place.

Edwards pointed out keys to free agency success in terms of which player to target in the draft. He acknowledged teams that are setting themselves up for success in the draft.

Buc’s QB Situation

After the departure of Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will most likely look to Baker Mayfield to follow Brady.

Tampa Bay signed the former No. 1 overall draft pick to a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, with a $2 million signing bonus.

Mayfield spent time with two teams during the 2022 season. He started the first five games for the Panthers before being benched and released in Week 12. Then, he was then picked up by the Los Angeles Rams who were without Matthew Stafford due to injury. Mayfield improved and showed signs of promise to finish the season.

Additionally, former Gator standout Kyle Trask served as the backup to Brady this past season and was poised by fans to take over in the 2023 season.

Edwards isn’t completely sold that these are the final candidates to lead the Buccaneers going forward. Tampa Bay could very well have someone fall in their lap with the 19th overall pick in the draft.

Draft Rumors and Herm’s Advice for Coaches

Every year following the draft, news breaks on potential trades, draft player rankings and more. Bold statements are made from various sources, and team projections are always shaken up.

Edwards weighed in on whether or not these projections should be taken seriously or not.

All 30 teams give an evaluation for each player conducting a workout during the combine. Information is collected and taken back to each team’s front office to be debated on and make decisions for who to draft based on the needs of that team.

Player intel can often come from the very coaches and experts evaluating them, and Edwards said he always gives his coaches approaching the combine an efficient strategy.