Former Raven Edwards flying off to Chargers
Hard-nosed running back’s arrival means end of the Ekeler era. L.A. also adds Dissly.
After remaining quiet for the first 41⁄2 hours of free agency Monday, the Chargers agreed to terms with former Baltimore running back Gus Edwards.
The deal will reunite the veteran with Greg Roman, who is the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator after serving in the same role with the Ravens from 2019-22.
A short time later, the Chargers added a run-blocking tight end in Will Dissly, who was cut by Seattle after six seasons.
Edwards’ addition came just before free agent Austin Ekeler reached a new deal with Washington, ending his seven-year run with the Chargers.
Turning 29 in April, Edwards had a career-high 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He has averaged 4.9 yards per attempt on 699 career carries.
General manager Joe Hortiz, who also came from Baltimore, and coach Jim Harbaugh both have spoken of a desire to build a stronger, more forceful running game in 2024.
The Chargers hired the pair in January to replace Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley. The first free-agent move of the Hortiz/Harbaugh era did, in fact, address the ground attack.
Edwards is listed at 238 pounds and is known as “Gus Bus” or “Gus the Bus” in part because of his downhill running style.
Dissly is valued as a blocker, with single-season career-highs of 34 receptions and 349 yards, both set in 2022.
In leaving Baltimore, Edwards will go from being coached by John Harbaugh to being coached by John’s younger brother.
As with all free-agent agreements league-wide, nothing can be official until after the new league year begins at 1 p.m. PT Wednesday.
Along with Ekeler, the Chargers’ No. 2 running back from last season, Joshua Kelley, also is a free agent.
Isaiah Spiller, a fourthround pick in 2022, is the only other back on the team’s active roster. Elijah Dotson and Jaret Patterson signed futures deals in January.
The Chargers could look to add another running back in the draft next month. Blake Corum, who played for Harbaugh at Michigan, has been the subject of early speculation.
Ekeler, who also turns 29 this offseason, had a difficult year in 2023 while dealing with a high-ankle sprain suffered in the Chargers’ opener.
He never looked quite comfortable in the system of former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, finishing with 628 rushing yards and another 436 though the air.
Of note, Edwards is nowhere near the receiving threat that Ekeler is. He had a career-high of only 12 catches last season. Edwards never has caught a touchdown pass.
Gilman retained
The Chargers retained one of their own free agents Monday by agreeing to terms with safety Alohi Gilman.
Agent Kenny Zuckerman broke the news on social media.
Gilman, 26, took over the starting spot next to Derwin James Jr. in 2023 and finished with 77 tackles in 14 games.
New Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter spoke about the need to find playmakers for the secondary. Gilman had three forced fumbles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season.
Listed at 5-foot-10, 201 pounds, Gilman has proven himself to be a willing tackler and courageous hitter during his four seasons.
Playing almost exclusively on special teams as a rookie, the Notre Dame product developed into a dependable option in the back end of the team’s defense.
Gilman’s deal is for $11 million over two years, according to multiple reports.