Report: Gus Edwards could receive an extension this offseason

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic recently broke down the Ravens’ roster, giving his input on the likely outcome for several players this offseason. One of the players mentioned by Zrebiec was RB Gus Edwards. Edwards, signed in 2018 as an undrafted free agent, is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason after spending three years in Baltimore.

The Ravens have the option to place a second-round tender on Edwards, meaning that Baltimore has the option to match any offer made by another team or be rewarded a second-round draft pick instead.

Edwards emerged as a rookie in 2018 when fellow rookie Lamar Jackson took over at quarterback. In his three seasons with the Ravens, Edwards has been a model of consistency, rushing for 718 yards in 2018, 711 yards in 2019, and 723 yards in 2020. Edwards also has 10 rushing touchdowns to go with his 2,152 total rushing yards. He has been an integral part of Baltimore’s record-breaking rushing attack over the past few seasons, including breaking the single-season team rushing record in 2019.

Edwards played second fiddle to veteran RB Mark Ingram in 2019, and again to rookie second-round pick J.K. Dobbins last season. Despite this, Edwards never once complained publicly and remained just as productive when called upon. With the release of Ingram, Dobbins is set to be the star of the show next season — but Edwards certainly has an important role to play still.

“Edwards is a strong complement to Dobbins,” said Zrebiec. “Giving him a second-round tender would likely lock him in for 2021. An extension could be in play as well.”

Spotrac.com currently has Edwards with an estimated market value of three years for $10,542,939 with an average annual salary of $3.5 million.