Detroit Lions: 4 free agent running backs worth considering
Gus Edwards
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 25
Height/Weight: 6-1/238
2020 Stats: 16 games played, 144 rushing attempts, 723 yards, 9 receptions, 6 total touchdowns
2020 Base Salary: $750,000
Edwards has quietly been one of the NFL’s most efficient backs while being an important part of one of the league’s best rushing attacks over the last few seasons. He could also be in line for a bigger role, regardless of where he winds up in 2020.
In Baltimore, Edwards helped the Ravens finish first in total rushing yardage and yards per attempt in each of the last two regular seasons. Granted, the Ravens have had one of the league’s best running quarterbacks in former MVP Lamar Jackson, a promising young back in J.K Dobbins, and a stout offensive line during that time. However, Edwards has been a reliable part of that approach as well.
As the heaviest back on this list, Edwards fits the mold of a bruising, downhill runner with relatively limited receiving skills – he has just 18 career receptions in three seasons. His yards-per-carry average of nearly 5.2 over that time though speaks to his ability to break tackles and help keep the run a part of any offensive game plan.
Edwards was also an undrafted free agent in 2018, fueling the argument that effective running backs can be found rather easily and inexpensively. Edwards and Swift would offer nice balance atop the Lions running back rotation, and Edwards is much younger than any of the veteran backs that the Lions have brought on board over the last three seasons. That also means he could be more expensive.
As a restricted free agent, the Ravens have until March 18th to offer him a tender giving them the option to then match any deal he signs with another team. If they don’t (that seems unlikely), he will be an unrestricted free agent. It may be tough to pry him away from Baltimore, and the Lions will have to be careful with their spending in the coming months. He would be a good fit though, should it happen.