Ravens Free Agency Decisions: Should Gus Edwards be a Priority?

The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of free agent decisions to make this offseason, with running back Gus Edwards, who is coming off a career-best season being one.

The Baltimore Ravens have several free agency decisions to consider this offseason, with over 20 players set to hit the market. Receiver Nelson Agholor has already agreed to terms on a one-year deal, but who should Baltimore target next?

Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen loom as the two big dominos to fall for the Ravens, but one other who played a significant role in the 2023 season in running back Gus Edwards, is also a free agent.

So, should the Ravens bring back Gus?

Edwards had a career year in Todd Monken's system as he rushed for 810 yards on 198 attempts and totaled 13 rushing touchdowns (all career-highs). 

With Monken's system thought to be more vertical than in previous years under Greg Roman, the Ravens were still the leading rushers in the NFL.

As for Edwards, a return doesn't seem too farfetched as per spotrac.com; his market value is set as just $3.6 million APY, which is more than affordable for Baltimore.

USA Today

Edwards was by far the most used running back on Baltimore's roster as not counting Lamar Jackson's rushes; Justice Hill was the next best back (84 carries, 387 yards, three touchdowns).

Rookie Keaton Mitchell (47 carries, 347 yards, two touchdowns) was also a focal point up until he got bitten by the injury bug.

The Ravens have often used multiple backs in their offensive system, and with Monken, it was no different as Baltimore was again one of the best-rushing teams in the NFL.

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Edwards was a key factor in that as he finished the year fifth for rushing touchdowns as the Ravens had a league-best 156.5 rushing yards per game.

Baltimore likely has other players higher in the free agency pecking order, but bringing back their leading rusher seems like a logical move for a team right in their Super Bowl sweet spot.