The acquisition of Gus Edwards by the Los Angeles Chargers isn't considered to be a high-profile move by the casual NFL fan.
The often-injured running back played primarily in a reserve role for the Baltimore Ravens over parts of the last six years. Coming over now to the Chargers, it's expected that Edwards will at least get a shot at starting in a backfield that recently saw Austin Ekeler go elsewhere.
Analyst Bucky Brooks of NFL.com seems to agree with the decision to bring Edwards on board. He calls the move one of the most underrated of the entire free-agent period:
"The reunion between Edwards and his former offensive coordinator (Greg Roman) could steady the Chargers' attack as Jim Harbaugh implements a ground-and-pound game plan that alleviates some of the pressure on Justin Herbert to carry the load. Though Edwards has not registered a 1,000-yard season in his six-year career, the veteran has been a rock-solid contributor, eclipsing 700 yards four times as a part-time player.
And he's fresh off a campaign that saw him post career bests in rushing yards (810) and touchdowns (13). Given a chance to carry the load as Los Angeles' lead back, Edwards could emerge as a dark-horse candidate for the rushing title in 2024."
Edwards stylistically is a perfect fit for what Jim Harbaugh wants to do. By running the ball and controlling the clock, the Chargers can then dictate the tempo of the game by cutting possessions down.
As mentioned above, Edwards has plenty of experience playing under new offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
At 6'1" and nearly 240 pounds, Edwards is a handful to bring down. He runs with terrific lean, and relishes contact. Though he is 28 years of age, there's not a lot of tread on the proverbial tires compared to other runners around his age range.
The Chargers inked him to a two-year deal worth $6.5 million ($3.375 million in guaranteed money). If Edwards develops into an above-average starter at the position, his contract may be viewed as an absolute steal.
This is especially the case when factoring in the deals other running backs this offseason (D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley) commanded.
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