Chase Edmonds News

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing running back Chase Edmonds to a one-year contract. Edmonds appeared in eight games for the Miami Dolphins and then five games for the Denver Broncos last season following a trade. He was buried on both depth charts and totaled just 84 touches all season, failing to gain 75 yards from scrimmage in every contest. The Buccaneers let Leonard Fournette walk this offseason, so Edmonds will have a chance to bounce back with the Buccaneers in a complementary role to Rachaad White. Edmonds turns 27 in April. Edmonds rushed 68 times for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns last season, and caught 16 passes (24 targets) for 157 yards and a touchdown. Among the 60 backs with 20-plus targets last season, Edmonds averaged the seventh-most Receiving Net Expected Points per target, so he could become a PPR streamer in deeper formats.

Edmonds is coming off a disappointing 2022 campaign, having suited up for eight games with the Dolphins and five games with the Broncos, but with just 245 rushing yards and two touchdowns (3.6 YPC) plus 16 catches for 157 yards and a receiving score. The 26-year-old did look better down the stretch in Denver, and from 2019-21 with Arizona he was one of the most efficient running back's in the NFL, so he's could be worth monitoring in his new landing spot. With the Buccaneers expected to release Leonard Fournette, Rachaad White currently stands as Edmonds' primary competition for touches.

Per Schefter, releasing Edmonds will free up $5.92 million in salary cap space for the Broncos. In 13 games (eight with Miami and five with Denver) this past season, Edmonds carried 68 times for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 16 catches for 157 yards and a receiving score. The 26-year-old will now look to catch on with another team in need of backfield help ahead of the 2023 NFL campaign.

Edmonds found a new home during the 2022 season after being traded from Miami to Denver on Nov. 1, a deal sending linebacker Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins. The veteran running back scored all three of his touchdowns while in Miami for the first eight weeks of the season. Following the trade, Edmonds appeared in just five games with the Broncos, rushing 26 times for 125 yards and catching six of seven targets for 61 yards. The 26-year-old missed four games after being placed on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain, further limiting his time on the field. Edmonds saw double-digit carries just once this season back in Week 1 with the Dolphins. Looking ahead to the 2023 campaign, Edmonds remains under contract and is set to become a free agent in 2024. With teammate Javonte Williams (knee) recovering from a season-ending right ACL tear, Edmonds could find himself in an increased role out of the backfield to start the season if Williams is not ready to go. With fellow running backs Latavius Murray, Marlon Mack (hamstring) and Mike Boone (ankle) all hitting free agency this offseason, it will be interesting to see what the Broncos decide to do in the backfield given Williams' injury status.

Despite a relatively quiet fantasy day as the Broncos' No. 2 running back, Edmonds played 41 of Denver's 70 offensive snaps in the contest. Meanwhile, starter Latavius Murray played just one more snap than Edmonds. As the Broncos' disappointing season nears its end, it's possible the team wants to see more from their recently acquired veteran instead of relying too heavily on the 32-year-old Murray to close out the season. If a near-even split in playing time continues, Edmonds could have the opportunity to gain some positive momentum heading into the offseason in a Week 18 matchup against the Chargers.

Edmonds spent the minimum four weeks on injured reserve before being activated ahead of Sunday's tilt. The 26-year-old was mixed in behind starter Latavius Murray (8/41/0) and finished second in backfield touches ahead of Marlon Mack (2/17/0). Edmonds should continue to handle receiving duties while spelling Murray when the Broncos take on the Chiefs in Week 17.