The Baltimore Ravens had publicly expressed their desire to retain starting running back Gus Edwards, as he is both one of their better offensive development stories in the last few years and a solid power runner who played a part in making the Ravens' ground attack the best in the game.
Unfortunately, given the Ravens' tight financial situation and the inflated running back market, Edwards saw fit to leave his only home in the NFL. His next destination is a somewhat familiar one, as he is linking up with a wannabe contender who needs some muscle in the backfield.
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with Edwards on a two-year contract that will likely ensure he will start at running back. With John Harbaugh's brother Jim installed as the coach and former Ravens executive Joe Hortiz in the front office, Edwards is joining what looks to be a very friendly, familiar environment.
Former Ravens’ RB Gus Edwards reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Chargers, per source. Edwards now will be reuniting with former Ravens and current Chargers assistant Greg Roman.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens need more RB depth after Gus Edwards signs with Chargers
Edwards is also reuniting with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who is going to bring more running and balance to Los Angeles' attack. Edwards will need to show that he is capable of replicating his Ravens production without the running threat of Lamar Jackson next to him.
While Edwards saw his 5.2 yards per carry average from his first four seasons in the league shrink to just 4.1 during the 2023 season, he set a new career-best mark in rushing yards with 810 while running for 13 touchdowns after combining for just 13 in the prior four seasons. This production warranted a payday.
This move leaves the Ravens with some serious questions at running back. Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley all signed multi-year deals in the early stages of the legal tampering period, and internal FA target JK Dobbins is coming off a major injury that could impact his electricity in the open field.
The only two running backs under contract with the Ravens right now are Justice Hill, a fifth-year backup who has never been a starter, and Keaton Mitchell, an undrafted free agent rookie coming off a serious injury. With the upcoming RB class in the 2024 NFL Draft looking quite thin, the Ravens need to sign a proven veteran as soon as possible.
While Edwards was never the most versatile back, he's shown to be a reliable short-yardage grinder with more big-play burst than one would expect. His tenure in Baltimore should be remembered fondly, even if it put the Ravens in a very poor spot.