Grading the Chargers' first wave of signings in 2024 free agency

The LA Chargers did not come into the offseason with very much cap space but the team was still able to make a flurry of moves in the first week of free agency. In addition to creating cap space by releasing Mike Williams, restructuring both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, and trading Keenan Allen, the Chargers also made a flurry of free-agent signings

Nobody expected the Chargers to make any big signings in free agency this year and these five moves certainly were not that. Each move was thought out and was relatively cheap. This was never going to be the offseason to sign big names to big-time deals.

That being said, a signing does not need to be an expensive big-name player for it to be a good move. New general manager Joe Hortiz is hitting the ground running (at least when it comes to free agency) and that is reflected by the grades the Chargers have earned.

Chargers grade for signing Gus Edwards: A+

The first move that was announced might be the best. The Chargers desperately needed to rebuild the running back room and started that process by signing Gus Edwards. Edwards had previous ties to both Hortiz and offensive coordinator Greg Roman that absolutely helped facilitate the deal.

Los Angeles managed to sign Edwards to a fantastic deal despite the fact that he is coming off the most productive year of his career. The short-yardage back was a reliable option for Baltimore last season and will play a key role in reinventing this running back room moving forward.

Edwards alone definitely is not enough to add the necessary juice to the running game that the Chargers need but he is a great start. Paired alongside the right rookie running back, the Chargers could be cooking with fire with the new duo that will be in the backfield in 2024.

And best of all, the team managed to accomplish this at a great price.