The Los Angeles Chargers running back has been given permission to seek a trade.
It appears that Austin Ekeler has played his last down in a Los Angeles Chargers uniform. The club has granted Ekeler the ability to look for a trade with a new team. This comes after requesting permission from the Chargers Monday. A big factor in Ekeler’s request is not being able to come to terms on a new contract according to reports.
Austin Ekeler has been an integral part of the Chargers offense with 43 starts over the last three seasons. During that span Ekeler has 757 touches and 4,128 total yards with 41 touchdowns, which is quite a heavy workload for a smaller back. Prospective teams may be scared off at the prospect of acquiring and signing Ekeler to an extension considering his size (5’8 200 lbs), usage, and age. Ekeler will be 28 rather soon and that is a noted drop-off point for running backs.
When and if the Chargers do find a trading partner for Austin Ekeler they will have some pretty big shoes to fill. Hoping to strike gold again with another undrafted running back like Ekeler is not a sound strategy. Los Angeles may have to take a two-pronged approach to make up for Ekeler’s absence. Drafting in addition to signing a running back in free agency seems to be their best foot forward. How Los Angeles addresses this position will be something to pay attention to in the coming days.
