One PFF source reports that the Houston Texans could target free agent Gus Edwards before the 2025 regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, the team may sign a backup running back since all of their attention is on Joe Mixon as a starter. Edwards isn’t meant to be a starter anymore in the league, but with the right opportunity, he could excel as a capable backup. Injuries have been piling up these two seasons for Edwards, but the Texans could bring him back to life in short-yardage situations.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the former Rutgers and Miami product was trying to become an elusive running back for the Baltimore Ravens. However, he wasn’t able to take strides in his abilities due to injuries. Edwards and former J.K. Dobbins got released from the Ravens this past offseason, so it was a hard adjustment for both to excel in Los Angeles. Edwards might not be elite, but he could punch up in situational moments for the Texans, who have all the marbles in the basket for their offense.
Even though they were a divisional round exit, the Texans signed Justin Watson and got a few draft picks to salvage their offensive system. Edwards might not garner the best available teams that are looking for running back depth, but these two rebuilding offenses could use his services in the background.
PFF: Texans Could Target 3,700-Yard Free Agent Gus Edwards – Saints, Panthers Could Intervene
Backing Up Alvin Kamara
Last season, the New Orleans Saints saw a proven season again from Alvin Kamara, which earned him a new contract. However, the team should keep in mind that Kamara is aging and probably won’t be in his prime after a few years. The Saints are also in a rebuilding year following Derek Carr’s retirement, so anything could be possible for the new regime that’s slowly coming together behind new head coach Kellen Moore. Jamaal Williams had another disastrous campaign last season, so the team cut him.
While Edwards might not provide much of a difference, he could revive his career by playing with Kamara. The Saints have an unquestionable quarterback room between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, and there’s still no confidence in any of these signal-callers’ throwing abilities. Edwards won’t need to play full-time to make an impact, and he’s a better upgrade over Kendre Miller, who has yet to prove he could become a capable running back.
More Depth in Carolina
However, things are becoming bright with the Carolina Panthers. They have a promising wide receiver room coming together after drafting Tetairoa McMillian to pair with 2024 draft picks Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Quarterback Bryce Young has a lot to prove this year after having an amazing end to their 2024 campaign despite enduring a losing season. Young has no excuse, but they could use another running back if he still needs additional time to get a perfect ball out.
Rico Dowdle is the new backup in town behind Chuba Hubbard, but they could use as many running backs as they could get. Jonathon Brooks will be on the reserve for the 2025 season, so maybe they can get Edwards and Dowdle to handle the snaps in the background.
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