The Chargers on Monday released Gus Edwards, making the veteran running back a free agent just before the start of the 2024 New League Year.
Edwards joined the Bolts a year ago in free agency but endured an up-and-down 2024 season in powder blue.
He ramped up slowly during training camp but seemingly never found his footing to form a 1-2 punch with J.K. Dobbins in the backfield.
Overall, Edwards ran for 365 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries.
The Chargers current projected salary cap space is now roughly $93 million as Edwards' departure means the team saves about $3 million in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap.
Edwards' release could potentially increase the chances the Chargers add to the running back room this offseason, especially since Dobbins is also slated to be a free agent next week.
As of now, the only running backs on the roster for 2025 are Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, both of whom played a limited role in 2024.
Perhaps Dobbins returns in free agency. He was a strong signing by Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz a year ago and could be back in the mix.
Hortiz and the Bolts could also choose to add another running back in free agency as they look to find a fit in Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman's scheme.
And then there's the 2025 NFL Draft, where running back has been a somewhat popular projection by pundits for the Chargers.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton was projected to the Chargers at No. 22 overall by multiple draft analysts in the most-recent Chargers Mock Draft Tracker.
All in all, the release of Edwards means that running back likely jumped a few spots in terms of what positions the Chargers could focus on this offseason.
