Austin Ekeler requests trade: 3 top landing spots for Chargers RB in 2023
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is not happy in LA. The seventh-year running back is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade, according to ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter.
Chargers’ RB Austin 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.
Ekeler is in the final year of his contract and is due only $6.25 million this season. He signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension with the Chargers on March 16, 2020.
Austin Ekeler is due $6.25 million in 2023 in what is scheduled to be the last year of his contract. twitter.com/adamschefter/s…
The request comes after the two sides didn't have good talks on a contract extension.
Ekeler is coming off one of his most productive seasons in the NFL. He set career-highs in rushing yards (915) rushing touchdowns (13) and receptions (107), while amassing over 1,600 total yards and scoring 18 total touchdowns.
At age 27, Ekeler knows he will likely get one more big contract before he starts to wear as a running back, resulting in less value for the future.
As of right now, Ekeler has the 14th-highest cap hit among RBs in 2023 ($7.75 million) which is a bargain for the Chargers.
Where can Austin Ekeler land in 2023?
While Ekeler has requested a trade at the time, no deal or move is quite imminent. There is still time for the two sides to reach a long-term deal, but there is a chance the Chargers can move the star running back.
Here are three potential landing spots for Ekeler in 2023:
#1 Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins haven't had a running back rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season since 2016. As a team, they rushed for 1,686 yards last season and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Ekeler scored 13 rushing touchdowns of his own last season. The offense would also be more balanced as they're a pass-heavy team. Ekeler will also help out in their passing game as he's caught over 389 passes, including a career-high 107 last season.
Last season, the Dolphins were aggressive in acquiring Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs and should be again if they want one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL to help out their offense.
#2 Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL as far as making off-season moves.
Running back Miles Sanders is a free agent and is expected to leave in free agency after having the best season of his career.
Ekeler would be an amazing replacement for Sanders. Joining a group that features Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith would make this offense even better than with Sanders, as Ekeler is a better pass-catching running back.
Since Ekeler only accounts for $6.25 million this season, the Eagles can afford to make the move and extend him to a long-term deal as they're expected to lose many key free agents this off-season.
#3 Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are going to be one of the busiest teams this off-season.
The Bears have the most cap space in the league with $75 million. Chicago has already started to improve their offense this off-season as they acquired Panthers wideout DJ Moore in a blockbuster trade where they traded the first-overall pick.
Last season, quarterback Justin Fields led the team with 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
They have two quality running backs in David Montgomery and Khalil Hebert, who both rushed for over 700 yards last season.
Adding Ekeler would give the Bears a true number one back with a deeper committee, relieving Fields from using his legs as much as he does.
Rumors are just rumors, but for now, Ekeler wants out of LA. He could be moved soon or it could take awhile for a trade to process.