Chargers RB Austin Ekeler betting on himself in what could be final year in Los Angeles
COSTA MESA, Calif. ― Austin Ekeler is ready to put his trade request behind him in what is possibly his final year in Los Angeles.
Ekeler asked for a trade this offseason after the Los Angeles Chargers declined to give the running back an extension. The two sides eventually mended their fences last month when the Chargers added $1.75 million in incentives to Ekeler’s current contract after a trade never materialized.
“I understand I have one more year that I’m obligated to be here. I wanted to go poke around to see if there was any other value,” Ekeler said Wednesday. “If not, come back and have my last year and do what I can do here.”
Ekeler, who is entering the fourth and final year of a $24.5 million deal, was scheduled to earn $6.25 million this season. Ekeler’s revised contract gives him a chance to earn more money and allows him to hit free agency next year. Although, he’s well aware that the NFL’s running back market has plummeted in recent years.
Running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard were all given one-year franchise tag designations this offseason. While veteran running backs such as Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and most recently Dalvin Cook are free agents.
“What’s been happening with the atmosphere around the running back market has been pretty tough,” Ekeler said. “I am thankful for the way it played out. The Chargers did give me something in the middle, some type of incentive. I am appreciative of that because they didn’t have to do that. I understand there’s a business side to all of this. But I wouldn’t be doing myself service if I was going and trying to find more value while I can.”
The 2017 undrafted free agent has registered 3,727 rushing yards, 3,448 receiving yards and 63 touchdowns during his career. Since 2021, Ekeler leads the NFL with 38 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Ekeler wasn’t in attendance for the Chargers’ voluntary workouts, but he did participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp this week as he prepares for a pivotal season in his career.
“He's in such great shape. He's such a professional. He's on top of his assignments,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said. “We all know who Austin Ekeler is, but you never take it for granted because he showed up and it was great to see him."
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This year might be the last time, though, Staley sees Ekeler in a Chargers uniform.
“As far as my situation, I’ll bet on myself any day of the week,” Ekeler said. “That’s what I’ve been doing all my life.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Austin Ekeler betting on himself after Chargers trade request
