Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler does not want to leave the team, but his recent trade request is all about getting fair value for his efforts after outplaying his current contract.
While NFL free agency dominated the headlines for the league last week, one of the more notable stories had nothing to do with a talented player available on the free agent market. Instead, it was the revelation that dual-threat back Austin Ekeler had surprisingly asked for a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers, and then the news that the organization gave him and his agent permission to seek out a new home on the trade market.
Related: NFL trade rumors – Latest on Aaron Rodgers, DeAndre Hopkins, and more
While the news was surprising, it was not completely unexpected. The 27-year-old reportedly had been in talks with the organization for some time on a contract extension, but the conversation did not progress and if leaving meant earning fair value then he wanted to pursue that avenue. And that thought process is understandable.
- Austin Ekeler stats (2022): 1,637 total yards, 107 receptions, 18 total TD
Los Angeles Chargers record (2022): 10-7, second place in AFC West
After going undrafted in 2017, Ekeler has evolved into a Pro Bowl-level talent and a linchpin of the Los Angeles Chargers offense over the last few seasons. He even led the league in touchdowns out of the backfield over the last two seasons. However, he is set to make just over $6 million in the final year of his rookie contract. A number well below the market value for a player of his level.
On Monday, Austin Ekeler appeared on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast and explained his reasoning for a trade request, and it has zero to do with any schism between him and the organization.
“I would like to stay if it was under the right circumstances. Obviously, I have one more year on my contract there, so I’m contractually obligated to play for them for this upcoming year. So, we’re in a situation where it’s like, look, we have no guarantees or anything like that this year, so kind of in a spot where I’ve been outplaying my contract, and we might have an opportunity to go seek out other options that can bring me up.”
“… I’m so underpaid right now as far as my contract and what I contribute to the team, it’s like, I am relentlessly pursuing this. I want to get something long-term done. I want a team that wants me long-term. I’m at the peak of my game, right? As long as I’m healthy, I’m gonna score you another 20 touchdowns. I’m gonna have, you know, another 1,600 all-purpose yards. I’m getting half my value of what I could be getting.”
– Austin Ekeler (h/t NFL.com)
Since being given permission to seek out a trade partner for the Los Angeles Rams, there has been little news if any teams are interested in giving up worthwhile value for the six-year veteran.