The Los Angeles Chargers signed Gus Edwards to be their physical, short-yardage back, but the team could cut him after just one season. An undrafted free agent, Edwards spent the first six years of his career in a supporting role with the Ravens. Taking over for an injured J.K. Dobbins, Edwards recorded career-high numbers in carries (198), yards (810), and touchdowns (13) before cashing in with the Chargers.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry that momentum into his new home. Despite being under a familiar offensive coordinator in Greg Roman, Edwards averaged just 3.6 yards per attempt while losing the starting job to fellow free agent signee J.K. Dobbins. Now carrying a $4.25 million cap hit with no guaranteed money, Bleacher Report believes the team could cut the running back before the start of the league year.
This makes plenty of sense, as Edwards did not play up to his contract and the Chargers shouldn’t struggle to find improved play at the position. However, this doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of the running. Even if the Chargers cut Gus Edwards, a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs could bring him in to be a backup.
Chargers Could Cut Gus Edwards – Chiefs, Ravens Possible Next Teams
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently chasing their third Super Bowl in as many seasons, but they must keep an eye on the future. As of this posting, the team has just $11.5 million in projected 2025 cap space and could lose key free agents like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton. Seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco has easily outplayed his draft capital and has been a key part of two Super Bowl championships, but he might be in his final stretch with the team. Some other organizations could pay up for his services, and it’s hard to see Kansas City matching a top offer.
The Chiefs must be smart with their money, and Andy Reid is the best in the league at getting production out of the running back position. Gus Edwards is not as good as Isiah Pacheco, but he plays a similar style of football and could be a natural fit if the Chargers cut him. The Chiefs need a physical, old-school runner, and Edwards can bring that ferocity to the offense. In theory, he and former undrafted free agent Carson Steele can fight for the same job throughout the offseason.
Reunion In Baltimore
Derrick Henry was one of the best free agent signings of the past year, and nobody will take his starting job in 2025. However, the superstar running back can’t handle 100% of the carries, and the Ravens must find an adequate backup. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Henry is a human being and will slow down eventually. The running back is entering his age-31 season and has recorded 280 or more carries in five of the past six seasons, so finding an adequate backup should be a high priority for Baltimore.
Justice Hill is better in a pass-catching role, and 2023 undrafted free agent Keaton Mitchell didn’t show much life after returning from injury. Perhaps the team invests in a loaded running back draft class, but Gus Edwards can provide some veteran insurance behind Henry. He may not be the most explosive player, but he’s good in short yardage and is familiar with Harbaugh and Baltimore’s way of doing things.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
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