Only one season into his two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, running back Gus Edwards was informed of his release by the team on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Having entered the season splitting duties with J.K. Dobbins in the backfield, Edwards was eventually surpassed by his former Ravens teammate. After landing on the injured reserve list after Week 4, Edwards had a smaller role for the rest of the season. He still had a few breakout games, notably in Week 16 against the Broncos when he ran for 68 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Despite being a longtime favorite of Chargers' offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the 29-year-old rusher will look to sign elsewhere when free agency negotiations start on Monday.
This move likely signals the return of Dobbins. The 26-year-old, who came in second in Comeback Player of the Year voting, had his healthiest season since his rookie campaign. After signing a one-year, prove-it deal in the 2024 offseason, Dobbins did everything he could to prove he still got it.
Chargers have informed running back Gus Edwards that he will be released and become a free agent, per source. pic.twitter.com/yFcmPPg0ar
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2025
J.K. Dobbins Likely Returning to the Chargers After Gus Edwards Release
The release of Edwards saves the Chargers around $3.1 million in cap space. After the Joey Bosa release, the Chargers now have the second-most cap space in the league, with over $90 million.
It behooves the Chargers to use some of it to bring back Dobbins, who finished 2024 with 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. There are plenty of intriguing rushing prospects in the draft to pair with Dobbins, like Ashton Jeanty, Damien Martinez, Cam Skattebo, and Omarion Hampton. Considering how much Roman and Jim Harbaugh like to run the ball, using an early draft pick to target one of these players makes a ton of sense for LA.
Dobbins will be further removed from his devastating injuries next season, and he is still in his prime. Losing another playmaker with familiarity with the team and the system like Dobbins would be foolish for the Chargers.