Gus Edwards Top Landing Spots: 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

The Los Angeles Chargers recently cut Gus Edwards after one season with the team. He had just signed a two-year deal with Los Angeles last offseason, but apparently, the team wanted to go in a different direction.

It’s understandable as Edwards averaged a career-worst 3.6 yards per carry in 2024. His advanced metrics weren’t great either. Among 46 running backs with 100+ carries, Edwards finished 39th in Next Gen Stats Rush Yards Over Expected (RYOE), 40th in Rush Yards Over Expected Per Attempt (RYOE/ATT), and 39th in PFF’s Rushing Grade.

Edwards turns 30 next month and appears to have lost a step. The incoming rookie running back class is filled with talent, so Edwards may not have a lot of suitors in free agency. However, he is a dependable veteran, and that is something NFL coaching staffs usually covet. Let’s take a few minutes and discuss several possible landing spots for Edwards.

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Chicago Bears

It is rumored that Chicago will be in the running back market this offseason. D’Andre Swift is currently under contract and has experience playing in new coach Ben Johnson’s system. Edwards could bring a power element to this backfield similar to how Johnson used David Montgomery in Detroit.

The team has also made several significant moves this offseason in an attempt to improve their offensive line. This could be a nice landing spot for Edwards if he works in tandem with Swift.

However, Chicago may choose to add a running back in the NFL Draft. Johnson was with Detroit when they selected Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears own the tenth overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Star rookie running back Ashton Jeanty could be their pick.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins recently moved on from veteran back Raheem Mostert and now have an opening in their backfield. Edwards is a powerful back that would mesh well with the raw speed of De’Von Achane.

However, it remains to be seen if Miami would want to add another aging back after cutting Mostert. They might prefer to address the position in the NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has already made several moves to address their backfield. They decided not to re-sign Najee Harris who, ironically, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers to seemingly replace Edwards. The Steelers then placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent Jaylen Warren and signed Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year deal.

Edwards seems like a perfect match for Mike Tomlin’s offensive approach. He would likely be working in some type of committee if he signs with Pittsburgh but could have some value as a goal line specialist.

Gus Edwards caps off a 13-play, 79-yard drive for the @Chargers first TD of the night!

📺: #LACvsKC on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/zbOQ49WAzl

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024

Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown is coming off a fine sophomore season that saw him total over 1,300 scrimmage yards and score 11 total touchdowns. The Bengals coaching staff has made it known they are very pleased with Brown’s development but have also stated their desire to add another back to lighten his load in 2025.

Edwards would be a good short-yardage complement to Brown’s explosiveness, but like most teams on this list, they could look for a back in the NFL Draft. However, there are a ton of holes on this Bengals roster. The team might use their draft capital to address other needs instead of spending it on another back.

Cincinnati also is very familiar with Edwards as he played for the divisional rival Baltimore Ravens for five seasons. This could be a realistic landing spot depending on how the Bengals attack the NFL Draft.

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