New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has preached about elevating his team’s physical nature.
He backed up his words with Los Angeles’ initial free-agent moves on his watch.
Bruising running back Gus Edwards and stout tight end Will Dissly are headed to the Chargers, according to multiple reports.
Their free-agent signings are expected to be announced officially on Wednesday, when the fresh NFL year starts.
The Chargers were in dire need of running backs, with them not expected to retain starter Austin Ekeler and backup Joshua Kelley becoming a free agent.
Even with Ekeler, L.A. had trouble with its rushing game. Ekeler was an excellent receiver and keen near the goal line — he led the NFL with 38 touchdowns in 2021-22.
But on early downs as a rusher, he was often ineffective on a consistent basis.
While Edwards has never played for the Chargers’ Harbaugh, it’s clear his new coach got some good intel on him. Edwards played for Jim’s brother, John, with the Baltimore Ravens during his five-year career.
The bruising Edwards is joining forces, too, with new Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who held the same position when both were with the Ravens.
The 6-foot-1, 238-pound Edwards, who is turning 29 next month, is coming off his best year after rushing for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Dissly, a six-year pro, was released by the Seattle Seahawks, which led him to the Chargers. He’s earned his NFL stripes through his blocking skills.
L.A. still has a heavy lift to get under the salary cap by Wednesday. According to overthecap.com, the team exceeds the cap by about $21 million.
The Chargers have four players with a hit north of $30 million on the 2024 cap: edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
It’s unlikely all four of those players will be on the roster by mid-week.