The Baltimore Ravens have a seemingly endless list of players set to hit free agency in a few weeks, including but not limited to Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Kevin Zeitler, Geno Stone, Patrick Queen, Gus Edwards, and J.K. Dobbins. Thanks to the salary cap, it’s a foregone conclusion that a few of these players will not be back for the upcoming season. While it’s anyone’s guess as to who will stay and go, general manager Eric DeCosta is already working on retaining at least one under-the-radar player.
Justin Madubuike will be back in 2024, as the team will use the franchise tag if they cannot agree to a long-term deal. Everyone else has a chance to reach the open market, but DeCosta hopes to keep running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in free agency.
“We’re still talking to Gus. We’ll talk to J.K. — a couple of free agents that we had,” DeCosta said, via the team’s website. “We’re hopeful that we can get something done with those guys.”
Ravens Hoping to Keep J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards From Reaching Free Agency
This report is somewhat surprising, as the Ravens are betting favorites for Derrick Henry. Gus Edwards played well in relief of the injured Dobbins, but one would think he’d want to leave in free agency. With Henry (or some other big-name free agent) coming in, Edwards will have to battle Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell for a slim number of touches.
What’s less surprising is that the team appears to be prioritizing Gus Edwards over Dobbins in free agency. While Dobbins was an impressive prospect, the former second-round pick has suffered injury after injury since entering the league and might not have his old burst – Twitter workouts notwithstanding. DeCosta said that he’s already spoken with Edwards but hasn’t talked with Dobbins, which implies the general manager isn’t going to be too heartbroken if the former second-round pick walks.
Of course, there is a chance that this is all lip service. As it is, the Ravens don’t have enough money to sign all of their impending free agents, so why would they waste what little they have on a backup running back? If Gus Edwards has even the slightest bit of a market in free agency, he’ll probably leave for a bigger workload.
Nobody will make Gus Edwards their unquestioned starter in free agency, but he can be a solid player in a two-backfield system. Derrick Henry doesn’t split touches, but these other five teams might be interested in making him a key part of their committee.
Best Team Fits
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings released Alexander Mattison yesterday, leaving a gaping hole atop their depth chart. Mattison played well in place of Dalvin Cook in small samples, but the running back couldn’t handle a full workload, finishing the season as one of the least efficient players at the position. With several other needs throughout the roster, the Vikings might not be able to invest too heavily in a running back. With this in mind, Gus Edwards makes perfect sense as a low-cost signing in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are expected to move on from Austin Ekeler in free agency, and Gus Edwards could help fill his void. At his best, Ekeler was one of the most dangerous dual-threat backs in the league, but age caught up to him in 2024. Edwards doesn’t have the hands to take over in the passing game, but he has the size and physical running style to be a great short-yardage back. Jim Harbaugh loves to be physical and run the ball, and Edwards is an ideal fit for that style of play.
New Orleans Saints
After leading the league in touchdowns in 2022, the New Orleans Saints signed Jamaal Williams to be the primary goal-line and short-yardage back for this offense. That didn’t happen, as the former Detroit Lion regressed in a big way, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry while scoring only one touchdown. With third-round pick Kendre Miller not doing much of anything, the Saints might have to get a cheap running back to make Alvin Kamara’s life a little easier. Gus Edwards is one of the better cost-effective options in free agency, as the 6′-1″, 238-pound running back is built to pick up those hard-to-get yards.
Arizona Cardinals
Veteran running back James Conner had another quality season for Arizona last year, but the former third-round pick is not getting any younger. The team could use some more reinforcements at the position, but with plenty of other needs on the roster, they could instead pivot to someone cheap like Gus Edwards in free agency. With a weak running back draft class, the Cardinals could decide to let these two veterans handle starting duties for the upcoming season.
Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane is a blazing-fast runner who is impossible to catch in the open field. However, he’s undersized for the position and isn’t built for short-yardage work. Gus Edwards is a good battering ram and could be the perfect thunder to Achane’s lightning. With those two and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins will have a running back capable of doing every single job on the roster.
Main Photo: Neville E. Guard – USA Today Sports
