Lindsey ThiryESPN12:53 PM ET3 Minute Read
What is the market for Austin Ekeler?
Adam Schefter explains what a potential trade for Chargers’ Austin Ekeler would entail.
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers running back 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 failed to progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told Adam ESPN’s boss.
Ekeler, 27, is entering the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract and is expected to earn $6.25 million.
Last season, Ekeler played a key role in helping the Chargers earn their first playoff spot in four seasons before being eliminated in a 31-30 wildcard playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ekeler led the NFL with 18 touchdowns while rushing for 915 yards on 204 carries and catching 107 passes for 722 yards. Ekeler, a common target outside the backfield, also led the NFL with 822 yards from the catch.
The Chargers entered the offseason $20.5 million over the 2023 salary cap, but freed up $40.37 million in space to meet the salary cap by reducing the contracts of recipients Keenan Allen and Mike Williams as well as edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack restructured.
They’re on the clock to sign Justin Herbert for a record-breaking overtime as the quarterback prepares for the fourth season of a five-year rookie deal.
The Chargers signed Ekeler as an undrafted free agent from Western State Colorado in 2017. He landed a starting role in 2019, signed his final contract as a restricted free agent after the 2020 season, and has since anchored a running back corps that has struggled to produce behind him.
In six seasons, Ekeler has rushed for 3,727 yards and 34 touchdowns and caught 389 passes for 3,448 yards.
Ekeler and Hall of Famer Lenny Moore are the only players in NFL history to have 25 rushing touchdowns and 25 receiving touchdowns in their first six NFL seasons.
Since joining the NFL in 2017, Ekeler has ranked 11th among active players with a total of 7,175 scrimmage yards.
Running backs Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller and Larry Rountree III remain in the roster.