Austin Ekeler is reportedly unhappy with current talks on a contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers and has asked to seek out a new home via trade.
Ekeler has been one of the best stories on the Los Angeles Chargers roster over the last decade. After going undrafted in 2017, the Western State standout has become a key part of the team’s offense over the last few years.
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After serving in a mostly secondary role in his first three years, Ekeler has racked up well over 1,500 total yards over the last two seasons. The dual-threat star has become one of the best running backs in the sport due to his ability to punish defenses on the ground and through the air, as he has posted 38 total touchdowns for the team the last two seasons, including leading the league in TD’s both years.
With only one year left on his deal at a seriously team-friendly $6.2 million for 2023, the young star has been looking for a new long-term extension from the team ahead of next season. However, it seems those talks have not gone very far, and with little movement, Ekeler is looking for an escape from LA.
On Monday afternoon, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that “Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension did not progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN.”
With Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard all off the free agent market after being franchised by their teams this month, the only major impact player left in the running back market is Eagles star, Miles Sanders.
Ekeler possibly being up for grabs could lead running back needy teams to quickly jump into the trade market to see if they could pry the talented back away from the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bears and their horde of picks after their blockbuster deal on Friday could be a team to watch.