Even in a defense highlighted with some big names, Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds proved to be one of the team’s most influential players on this side of the ball last season.
Edmunds, a clear alpha on defense, could now command a key contract from a team ready to pull the trigger. And according to Pro Football Focus, the Houston Texans could be that “best suited” team.
Another solid season under his belt could not have been more timely as Edmunds is set to enter unrestricted free reign this offseason. Although he only played in 13 games, he led the Bills in total tackles (102) while adding a sack, seven passes defended and one interception.
His ability to get back into passing coverage flashed brightest in the postseason when Edmunds made four total passes in the January 15 win over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card. He then went on to lead the Bills with 12 total tackles in Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional.
PFF said:
The Houston linebacker corps earned the worst overall grade (33.3) and coverage grade (29.8) in the league, and also ranked 31st in run defense grade (34.0). Christian Kirksey is under contract for another season, but the team would certainly benefit from not depending on the nine-year-old vet for another 1,100-plus snaps in 2023. Christian Harris, a 2022 third-rounder, will also benefit from playing behind a player like Edmunds after posting a league-worst overall score of 28.3 with 711 defensive snaps.
Edmunds will only turn 25 in May and could be helping the Texans rebuild a franchise that needs a new identity.
The Texans’ defensive prowess last season came from the runners-up, as Houston surprisingly had the 10th fewest passing yards per game (209.3) last season.
With Houston needing another big face in his defense, Edmunds could be the “best fit” PFF is alluding to. With his versatile ability to drop behind, he could help bolster the Texans’ pass coverage strengths while also becoming the leader of the linebackers space.
The Texans certainly have a few more pieces to add to the puzzle to climb out of the NFL gutter, but Edmunds could be the important addition the team needs.
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