Fans call out Justin Herbert for "stealing" Austin Ekeler's money following $262,500,000 extension
One could debate about who is more important to the Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert or Austin Ekeler. The case for Herbert is that a quarterback is the leader of the franchise and therefore much more valuable than the rotating cast of pieces around him. But what is clear, at least on offense, is that these two are the most important players on the team.
However, it does not seem that the Los Angeles Chargers share that opinion. The franchise agreed a five-year extension with their quarterback reportedly worth $262.5 million. On the other hand, Ekeler is being paid $24.5 million for four years, with the running back now in the last year of his deal. Factoring in $1.75 million in incentives, it still is a far cry from what Justin Herbert is getting.
All of this arrives on the heels of a robust discussion within NFL circles about the value of a running back in the current game. The likes of Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley have failed to secure contracts, despite being two of the best players in the league.
NFL fans certainly think that Austin Ekeler is being hard done by and they did not hold back on social media.
@CaesarsSports @AdamSchefter @LindseyThiry Ekeler in shambles right now
@AdamSchefter How selfish of Herbert to take all that money when Austin Ekeler is literally starving and homeless
@RapSheet @MikeGarafolo I can’t believe Justin Herbert stole all of Eckler’s money!!!
Anyone wanna blame Justin for Ekeler not getting paid?
Anyone? twitter.com/adamschefter/s…
@schm1dt29 @jaxMullen2019 @RapSheet @MikeGarafolo He’s a team guy, not a socially awkward greedy QB like herbie. Can’t believe he did Ekeler like this. Ekeler made him. Crazy
Justin Herbert need to slide some of that contract to Austin Ekeler
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is having contract issues
So in well timed fashion what do the chargers do? Make Justin Herbert the current highest paid QB
Chargers gonna Charger
@AdamSchefter @LindseyThiry Live look at Austin Ekeler’s reaction to Herbert contract pic.twitter.com/HgdbxCaTmC
Justin Herbert signing his contract with Austin Ekeler in the building pic.twitter.com/vb3YKiiEs2
Herbert when Austin Ekeler walks into the offensive meeting room pic.twitter.com/8SdxciFWWL
Herbert just got paid like Austin Ekeler doesn't exist.
Here our league goes again with glorifying the QB position.
Look I'm not saying Justin Herbert isn't good, but Austin Ekeler is a better player imo. But that doesn't matter because in our league, the QB reigns supreme no matter how good he is.
Fuck the Chargers though. twitter.com/MySportsUpdate…
Austin Ekeler to Justin Herbert pic.twitter.com/kfTJLV2COr
Does paying Justin Herbert over Austin Ekeler suggest a change of plans for the Los Angeles Chargers?
Austin Ekeler has been leading the way in complaining about the situation running backs find themselves in, in the NFL. And he has a right to complain, given he has been the touchdowns leader for two seasons straight. He has 38 touchdowns in that period.
Needless to say, Justin Herbert has been a core component of that with his passing game but it is the running back who has often brought home the bacon in the end. However, with Kellen Moore now the offensive coordinator, it could indicate some change in the way the Chargers play the game.
The franchise would have undoubtedly noted the diminishing importance of running backs in the league and simultaneously heard Austin Ekeler's complaints. They know the running back is in the last year of his contract and is not very happy.
Instead of trying to placate him, they might look to Kellen Moore to develop a deep passing game as he is known for. That might explain making Justin Herbert central to the franchise and considering the running back an expendable asset beyond this year.