The first move that the LA Chargers made when the legal tampering opened this offseason was signing former Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards to a two-year deal. Austin Ekeler's departure from the team was guaranteed and GM Joe Hortiz opted to bring in someone who he was more than familiar with.
Edwards should bring new juice to the Chargers' running game as he will be a key part of Greg Roman's offense. While he is not a traditional bell-cow back, the Chargers have the potential to really improve at the position by pairing Edwards with the right rookie running back.
While Edwards was brought in to serve as a much-needed improvement to the run game, he knows where the Chargers' bread is buttered. Justin Herbert is the life and soul of this franchise and in addition to improving the run game, Edwards is making sure that his QB will be taken care of.
#Chargers RB Gus Edwards on helping Justin Herbert:
— Chargers Unleashed (@LAC_Unleashed) April 8, 2024
"If I'm in there, he will be protected."
Gus Edwards becomes a Chargers fan favorite with Justin Herbert comment
This is exactly what Chargers fans want to hear. Every Chargers fan wants to see the run game be better than it was a year ago but they want to see Herbert get protected more. Last season, the protection simply was not enough for Herbert.
Austin Ekeler may have struggled running the ball last season but he was still a solid running back in pass pro. Edwards will be able to replace that dynamic while also adding a new wrinkle to the offense that simply did not exist last season.
The Chargers obviously have a different philosophy and are putting resources into executing that philosophy. That is why the team signed Will Dissly to a multi-year deal even though he is not a good pass-catching tight end. That is why the team brought in Ben Mason on a one-year deal after not even having a fullback last season.
This is a team that wants to win in the trenches and has added the right pieces to do so. By winning in the trenches, Herbert will have the opportunity to be even better than he already has been for the Chargers. And if Herbert is even better, then a Super Bowl is definitely in reach.
Hopefully, the rest of the new faces on the Chargers' roster have the same mindset as Edwards because if so, this team could be very refreshing to watch in 2024.