Context:

The Cincinnati Bengals are considering strengthening their running back lineup by potentially signing Gus Edwards, who is a free agent from the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite Chase Brown being the primary choice for the starting position, the Bengals lack depth, especially with Zack Moss recovering from injuries and Samaje Perine's previous ineffectiveness. Edwards, though he had a mediocre 2024 season with 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns, could be a valuable addition due to his powerful running style and past productivity with the Baltimore Ravens. His presence could provide physicality and relief for Brown, and he possesses playoff experience that can benefit the team. Signing Edwards on a cost-effective deal could lead to a rebound in his performance, significantly aiding the Bengals' offensive strategy in the upcoming season.

Dive Deeper:

• The Cincinnati Bengals are actively exploring options to bolster their running back roster, with Chase Brown as their current starter following a strong 2024 season. However, the team lacks robust depth, as backup Zack Moss is recovering from an injury-plagued season, and Samaje Perine was ineffective during his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs.

• RotoBaller's Joey Pollizze suggests Gus Edwards, a free agent from the Los Angeles Chargers, as a potential acquisition for the Bengals. Edwards could serve as a powerful RB2, providing a contrast to Brown and offering an upgrade over the current backup options.

• Edwards had a challenging 2024 season, missing six games and accumulating only 365 rushing yards with a 3.6 yards per carry average. Despite this, his previous success with the Baltimore Ravens, where he achieved a career-high 810 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023, highlights his potential value.

• Adding Edwards could introduce much-needed physicality to the Bengals' offense under Zac Taylor and alleviate some of the pressure on Chase Brown. Edwards' reliability and playoff experience further enhance his appeal as a strategic addition.

• Although Edwards is recovering from a less impressive year, his acquisition on a budget-friendly contract could set the stage for a comeback in 2025, providing significant support to the Bengals' offensive lineup and improving their competitive edge.

• The Bengals are also linked to potential signings of high-profile players, such as a former $65 million All-Pro defender, which further demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their team for future contests.

• Dharya Sharma, a sports writer and NFL content contributor, provides insights into the Bengals' strategic moves and potential acquisitions, emphasizing the team's proactive approach in the free agency market.

• The Cincinnati Bengals could look to upgrade their running back room. Though Chase Brown is penciled in as the starter and had a solid 2024 campaign, the team doesn't have high-level depth at the position, as Zack Moss is coming off an injury-riddled season and Samaje Perine was ineffective last year for the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Cincinnati will likely have to search the free agency market to add to their backfield, and RotoBaller's Joey Pollizze lists the Bengals as a top landing spot for Los Angeles Chargers free-agent running back Gus Edwards.

• "We also shouldn't rule out the Bengals potentially signing Edwards at some point in free agency. There's no doubt that Chase Brown is the clear RB1 in that offense, but the team doesn't have a bigger back on its roster. With Cincinnati only adding one running back through the draft in 5-foot-9 Tahj Brooks, Edwards could be an upgrade over Zack Moss as the RB2," Pollizze wrote.

• Edwards didn't have a fantastic 2024 season in Los Angeles, as he missed six games and rushed for just 365 yards on 3.6 yards per carry with four touchdowns. However, the veteran is a powerful runner who is just two years removed from a productive 2023 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, where he rushed for a career-high 810 yards and 13 touchdowns.

• Adding Edwards on a cheap deal would be a savvy move from the Bengals, as the 30-year-old would bring some much-needed physicality to Zac Taylor's offense and take a ton of pressure off Brown. Additionally, Edwards has been pretty reliable throughout his career and has playoff experience.

• Though he isn't explosive and is coming off a down year, Edwards would be a phenomenal post-draft addition to Cincinnati's offense. He could be in for a bounce-back season in 2025, and that would greatly help the Bengals.

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