NFL trade rumors: Aaron Rodgers’ Jets named as logical destination for $24M Chargers star
The New York Jets made a big splash this off-season by trading for Aaron Rodgers. They could look to make another blockbuster move by acquiring one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, publicly requested for a trade from the team this off-season. He's playing the final year of his four-year $24.5 million contract that he signed in 2020. He's only due $6.25 million this season and feels that he's being underpaid and is demanding a new contract.
Cody Benjamin of CBSsports.com wrote an article about potential trades he could see happening this summer. He thinks the Chargers should keep him to surround Justin Herbert with talent, but then listed the Jets as a possible team to acquire him.
"If Los Angeles is serious about maintaining an elite supporting cast for Justin Herbert, it'll find a way to give Ekeler the raise he's publicly seeking, even if for just this season. On the other hand, Ekeler himself doesn't appear poised to hold out into the season if he doesn't get more money."
He continued:
"Similar to Christian McCaffrey with his reliable high-volume pass catching, he's quite underpaid at $6.125M per year (13th among RBs) entering a contract year. The Chargers could gain $6.25M in savings should they deal him to a contender, however, and address the position with a handful of cheaper gambles."
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Why the New York Jets should trade for Austin Ekeler?
The New York Jets are in win-now mode after acquiring Aaron Rodgers this off-season.
The Jets gave up multiple draft picks to upgrade at the quarterback position after deciding to bench former second-overall pick Zach Wilson. Bringing in Rodgers at age 38 puts them in position to compete for a chance to make a Super Bowl for the next season or two.
Austin Ekeler who's 28 years old is coming off of the two most productive seasons of his career. He's scored 30 total touchdowns in the last two seasons and is one of the best pass-catching running backs. Thr Jets could add more star power to their offense by trading for him.
They could acquire him and possibly extend him to lower his cap hit this season. He would join a young talented backfield that fetaures Breece Hall and Michale Carter.
Do you think the New York Jets should trade for Austin Ekeler?
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit CBS Sports, Cody Benjamin, and H/T Sportskeeda