When Gus Edwards became a free agent, the Chargers seemed like a great fit.
Edwards stated, “I just thought that it was a great opportunity,” during his first press conference after joining the Bolts on Monday.
After spending six seasons with the
, the seasoned running back signed a contract with the Chargers in 2024. He finished the previous season with 810 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Since joining the league in 2018, Edwards has been a reliable, muscular presence in the Ravens backfield. He also worked under Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who oversaw the team’s offensive strategy from 2019 to 2022.
Edwards cited some of the main reasons that attracted him to the Bolts as being his knowledge with the offensive playcaller and the hard football style that head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to play.
“I’m really familiar with Coach Roman and his scheme, and I just wanted to be a part of it because I already know what his mindset is,” Edwards stated. “Same with Coach Harbaugh, I already know what his mindset is — being a physical team, I just wanted to be a part of that.”
It makes the transition simpler when one is aware of what to anticipate from a system and mentality standpoint in a Roman offense after their time together in Baltimore.
Although there are a few minor variations, Edwards claimed he has been able to pick everything up right away.
“It makes it a lot easier to adjust because you kind of know what to expect, especially with the terminology — it makes it kind of easier for you to memorize and everything,” Edwards stated. “It helps my transition to be more smooth.”
Edwards subsequently stated: “I love this scheme, the way that he schemes everything up, and just the whole mindset — the physicality — I really like.”
The veteran running back said he was ready to bring the downhill, physical style of play in the run game that Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Hortiz have referenced during the offseason to the Chargers.
It’s something he knows how to do well and not too different from what he did in time in Baltimore playing with Harbaugh’s older brother, John.
Edwards spoke glowingly about the early interactions with his new head coach, as he sees a lot of things in common with his older brother in how they want to play and how they lead.
“I see a lot of similarities with his brother. I don’t know if he’s a big fan of me saying that, but I see a lot of similarities,” Edwards said with a laugh. “He’s kind of like a player-coach. You’re real comfortable around him.”
