Another running back is out of free agency, as former Los Angeles Charger Austin Ekeler will join the Washington Commanders on a two-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Ekeler will play on a contract worth up to $11 million after completing a four-year contract worth $24.1 million with the Chargers last season, ESPN reported.
Ekeler, 28, requested a trade this offseason after failing to agree to a long-term contract with the Chargers, but he disagreed with the team. When a trade fell through, Ekeler agreed to an incentivized amendment to the final year of his contract.
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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is on the sideline before their game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
He had the worst season of his career with the Chargers in 2023, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry (628 total yards on 179 attempts) and 13 and 12 yards per carry in 2022 and 2021, respectively. He scored a touchdown, but only scored five times.
Ekeler is also known as a receiving threat, with 107 receptions in 2022. But he only gained 51 yards and 436 yards in 14 games last season.
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But coaches are hopeful Ekeler can get back into shape next season under former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, who has joined Dan Quinn’s new coaching staff in Washington as running backs coach. .
Ekeler will join a backfield that also includes Brian Robinson, who had 733 yards on 178 carries last season in his second year in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, 30, reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ) (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
How the manager and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury delegate touches will be interesting to see play out. Given Ekeler’s versatility, Coach Kingsbury could use him anywhere, regardless of downs.
The 2021 season was Ekeler’s best year as he racked up 1,558 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns in 16 games with the Chargers. He recorded 1,637 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns.
The running back market was slow last offseason, but several teams agreed to terms on Monday, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles acquiring Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs signing Saquon Barkley to Green Bay.・He was transferred to the Packers.
Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball during the first half of the game during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Tony Pollard is going to the Tennessee Titans, and Gus Edwards is going from the Baltimore Ravens to the Chargers.
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