Austin Ekeler reveals primary reason behind Chargers exit
Running back Austin Ekeler will start a new chapter with the Washington Commanders in 2024. Ekeler spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
On Monday, Ekeler was a guest on "The Up and Adams Show" and spoke with host Kay Adams about his departure from Los Angeles. The 29-year-old running back stated that he didn't fit into the Chargers' overall game plan under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Ekeler said that the team wanted a big running back who can be handed the ball frequently and move the offense down the field.
"Well, I think you can kind of see kind of how they've been building the team so far this offseason, you know, went out drafted, you know, a tackle first round, brought in some bigger backs over from Baltimore. And so it's like, hey, they wanted a guy to hand the ball off to 300 times a year," said Ekeler.
He continued by saying that he was never that type of running back. He also said that he doesn't hold any hard feelings towards the team and understands why they chose to move on from him.
"And look, I haven't had that capacity to do that. That's not my game. That's not how Austin Ekeler is gonna be the best on the field. So there was the misalignment there which no harm no foul, I will go find somewhere else where I can you know, add value where Austin can be the best version of myself out there."
He looks forward to the impact he can make with his new team this season and be the 'best version' of himself on the field.
Austin Ekeler signing part of Commanders re-build
The Washington Commanders made big changes this offseason which included hiring Dan Quinn as their new head coach. They drafted Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick and made other solid draft selections, including wide receiver Luke McCaffrey.
Veteran players like Austin Ekeler and Bobby Wagner will add experience to the roster as the team looks to move its way up from the bottom of the NFC East. The division is one of the toughest in the league as they are joined by the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants—tough competitors who they must face twice a year.
Although Washington will likely improve from their 4-13 record last year, their playoff chances are still a bit dim. According to the Sportskeeda algorithm, Washington has just an 11% chance of making a postseason run in 2024.