Source: Gus Edwards to be released 1 year into Chargers deal

LOS ANGELES -- The Chargersinformed running back Gus Edwards that they will release him, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday.

Edwards' release saves the Chargers $3.125 million against the salary cap.

The Chargers signed Edwards to a two-year deal last offseason, hoping he could play a significant role in the running game. Edwards was coming off the best season of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, finishing with career highs in rushing yards (810), touchdowns (13) and yards from scrimmage (990) in 2023.

But Edwards was largely ineffective for the Chargers in 2024. What started as a split workload between him and running back J.K. Dobbins turned into Edwards being a backup.

When Dobbins missed four games because of a left MCL strain, the Chargers' offense was abysmal with Edwards as the lead back. In those four games, the Chargers eclipsed 100 rushing yards just once, in a win over the Denver Broncos, which included 24 yards from quarterback Justin Herbert.

Edwards, who turns 30 in April, finished with a career-low 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns.He also missed six games because of separate ankle injuries, and his 11 games played were the second fewest of his career.