Report: Gus Edwards plans to sign with Los Angeles Chargers
Running back Gus Edwards plans to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh and will now join Jim Harbaugh in his inaugural season with the Chargers.
It is reportedly a two-year contract that will average around $3.5 million annually. In addition to joiningg Harbaugh, Edwards also reunites with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who is now in the same role with the Chargers.
Edwards was part of a committee for much of his time in Baltimore but still managed to rush for at least 700 yards in four of his five seasons. He set a career high this past year with 810 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns to go along with 12 catches for 180 yards.
Edwards leaves Baltimore as one of the most accomplished running backs in franchise history, ranking fourth in career yards (3,395) and fifth in touchdowns (26). He, along with Browns running back Nick Chubb, are the only two running backs in NFL history to starting their careers with three straight 700-yard seasons while averaging more than 5.0 yards per carry.
Edwards played his college football at Miami and Rutgers before going undrafted in 2018. He began on the practice quad and has since gone on to carve out a space for himself in the pros.
The signing of Edwards comes as starting running back Austin Ekeler, who managed 628 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games in 2023, is an unrestricted free agent. That in mind, Edwards could have plenty of work waiting for him on the Chargers.
LA is coming off of a 5-12 season and will hope to make it back to the postseason under Harbaugh.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are set to become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.