The reunion between running back Gus Edwards and Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman was a short-lived one as the team informed Edwards today that he would be released, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This leaves Los Angeles without its top two rushers from 2024 as J.K. Dobbins‘s one-year deal expires next week. 
A seven-year veteran who spent eight years in Baltimore after signing as an undrafted free agent, Edwards had the least-productive season of his career with the Chargers in 2024, aside from 2021, when he missed the entire year because of injury. He struggled with injury this season, as well, missing six games with an ankle issue.
Edwards spent most of his career benefitting from a read-option offense in Baltimore that rewarded his downhill running style with plenty of dive plays and goal line touches. This culminated in a huge 2023 campaign that saw him reach career highs in rushing yards (810) and rushing touchdowns (13). Edwards entered last year as the Chargers lead back over Dobbins before quickly losing that role by Week 3 of the season. Combined with a stint on injured reserve because of his ankle injury, Edwards continued in a smaller role until Dobbins found his own way to IR.
Edwards finds himself in a pretty talented group of free agent backs, led by Aaron Jones, Dobbins, and Najee Harris. After that, Edwards is likely among the group that follows, which includes Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams, and Rico Dowdle. After seeing the difference in success from Baltimore to LA, Edwards would be wise to focus on the correct fit in free agency.
As for the Chargers, with Dobbins and Edwards becoming free agents, only Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins remain under contract in the running backs room. As a sixth-round rookie, Vidal only amassed 155 yards on 43 carries last year. Haskins only totaled 89 yards in 2024 but did record three total touchdowns.
This should put running back fairly high on the list of offseason needs for Roman’s offense. The free agents listed above are one option, as is the potential re-signing of Dobbins, but the 2025 NFL Draft is also loaded with talented options at running back. With prospects like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, Miami’s Damien Martinez, and several more, the Chargers could add one or multiple backs in the first three or four rounds of the draft.
Edwards, though, seeing his two-year deal cut short, will be moving on in hopes of finding a room in which he fits better. A short-yardage role could be in cards as Edwards will be 30 years old by the time the 2025 season begins.