Jim Harbaugh's First Chargers Signing is Austin Ekeler Replacement

The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a new era. After being one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last season despite having a stacked roster, the Chargers rightfully decided it was time to hit the reset button. With Jim Harbaugh as the new head coach and Joe Hortiz as the new general manager, the roster transformation has finally now begun.

It is fitting that the first replacement comes about one of the longest-tenured Chargers. Austin Ekeler, who long has been a fan favorite in Los Angeles, is likely departing in free agency, and the Chargers have found the perfect player to replace him.

According to Adam Schefter, the Chargers are signing running back Gus Edwards as their first free-agent acquisition of the offseason.

Chargers News: Los Angeles Signs Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards

Gus Edwards is coming off of the best season of his career. Despite playing in a committee in the running back rotation in Baltimore, Edwards was easily the best rushing weapon on the team, finishing the year with 198 carries, 810 yards, and a whopping 13 touchdowns.

Former Rutgers standout entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and spent his entire five-year career with the Ravens. He has blossomed into a solid starter under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Now that Roman is the offensive coordinator with the Chargers, both sides decided to continue their fruitful partnership.

The Ravens had one of the most potent running offenses in the league over the last few years. Roman will certainly try to replicate that with Edwards as his RB1 in Los Angeles.

Whether Gus the Bus will be able to replicate the production of Ekeler for the Bolts will be one of the deciding factors of the Chargers' season. They are currently long shots (+370) to win the AFC West on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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