A reliable anchor for the Ravens’ record-setting rushing attack will be staying put beyond the upcoming season as running back Gus Edwards signed a two-year extension on Monday.
Edwards was a restricted free agent tendered for $3.384 million in March and is now scheduled to make an additional $10 million through the 2023 season, according to multiple reports. The 26-year-old has rushed for at least 5.0 yards per carry and 700 yards in each of his three seasons, becoming one of the best short-yardage backs in the NFL over that time. The 6-foot-1, 238-pound Edwards rushed for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season, finishing third on the team in rushing behind star quarterback Lamar Jackson (1,005) and 2020 second-round pick J.K. Dobbins (805) as the Ravens ran for more than 3,000 yards for the second straight year.
A 2018 undrafted free agent who split his collegiate career between Rutgers and Miami, Edwards didn’t make the initial 53-man roster as a rookie and was signed to the practice squad. Elevated to the active roster in October of that season, Edwards would lead Baltimore in rushing as the offense transitioned from veteran Joe Flacco to rookie Lamar Jackson at quarterback midway through the year.
Pro Football Focus graded Edwards fifth among qualified running backs last season. He also ranked ninth in the NFL in yards after contact per carry and first in percent of carries resulting in a first down, according to PFF.
The contract extension means the Ravens now have both Dobbins and Edwards under contract through the 2023 season, an encouraging development as the organization aims to strike a long-term extension with Jackson in the near future. Edwards ranks fifth on the Ravens’ career rushing list behind only Jamal Lewis, Ray Rice, Jackson, and Willis McGahee with 2,152 yards.
