The Baltimore Ravens are doing everything they can to keep their talented rushing unit together. On Monday, the Ravens announced they have agreed to terms on a 2-year, $10 million extension with running back Gus Edwards.
Edwards, 26, was a restricted free agent this offseason and was tendered as a second-rounder earlier in the year.
Heading into his fourth season with the Ravens, Edwards has been a consistent contributor for the offense. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, fellow running back J.K. Dobbins, and Edwards are the reason why Baltimore has the best rushing attack in the NFL.
Last season with the Ravens, Edwards played in all 16 regular-season games, found the end zone a career-high six times on 144 rushing attempts. He also added 723 rushing yards — another career-high.
In his career, Edwards has played in 43 games and rushed for 10 touchdowns for 2,152 total yards.
Gus Edwards was not to be denied 🚨 @Ravens
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 15, 2020
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Gus Edwards is an important part of the Ravens’ rushing attack
In January, the Ravens waived running back Mark Ingram. During the season, Ingram was relegated to a limited role in the offense after performing well with the team in 2019.
With Ingram not suited up, Edwards and Dobbins received the bulk of carries. The release of Ingram should open up more playing opportunities for Edwards in 2021.
Edwards was picked up as an undrafted rookie by the Ravens in 2018. Baltimore saw the talent in Edwards that other teams did not. Their intuition paid off.
The former Miami standout will continue his career with the Ravens for at least another two seasons and he’s expected to be on the field often and remain in the backfield mix.
With the extension of Edwards along with second-year player Dobbins impressing many in his rookie year, Baltimore’s backfield will continue to cause trouble for opposing defenses.
In a league that continues to value the passing game, the Ravens’ motto seems to be, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Baltimore is lucky to have two backs that could each be considered a true No. 1.