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Los Angeles Chargers Secure Veteran RB in Free Agency, Go Budget Option Amid Cap Woes

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated 3/11/24

Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, per Adam Schefter. The former undrafted free agent will reunite with former Ravens and current Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

The move comes with the Chargers still listed by Over The Cap as being $21.1 million over the cap. Edward’s contract details have not yet come to light, but his contract is expected to be around 2 years — $3.75m avg/yr with $4.25m guaranteed, $7.5m total. While his cap hit will be small, it moves the Chargers in the wrong direction, salary cap speaking.

Feb. 20th: Chargers Should Consid er Signing The Budget Saquon, Gus Edwards

On the flip side, the move shows prudence from the new front office, as they didn’t pursue the high-end talent. Saquon Barkley will cost the Philadelphia Eagles nearly $38 million per year on average and re-signing Austin Ekeler would cost a few extra million dollars.

The Los Angeles Chargers May Have Landed A Saquon-Alternative

With Edwards, they get a Saquon-sized running back, 6’1″, 238, who has proven to be more durable and quite possibly a better running back. Edwards has a career average of 4.9 yards per carry, .6 more than Barkley. That seems small but had Barkely equaled Edwards, he would have an additional 720 career rushing yards.

The Gus Bus also has a rushing success percentage of 57.4, beating Barkley’s by a mile. Barkley has only been successful on 42.5 percent of his rushing attempts.

As mentioned before, Edwards and Roman go way back. Roman knows what Edwards can do and Edward knows Roman’s offense.