Lindsey TerryESPN3 minutes to read
What does the market look like for Austin Eckler?
Adam Schefter breaks down what the potential trade would entail for running back Austin Eckler from the Chargers.
Ekeler, 27, is entering the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract and is set to earn $6.25 million.
Last season, Ekeler was pivotal in the Chargers winning their first playoff game in four seasons before they were eliminated in a 31-30 playoff game against 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. Often used out of the backfield, Ekeler also led the NFL with 822 yards after catches.
The Chargers entered $20.5 million in the offseason over the 2023 salary cap, but cleared $40.37 million in space to become salary cap compliant by restructuring the contracts of receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and cornerback Joe Bosa and Khalil Mack.
They are on the clock to sign Justin Herbert to a record-breaking extension as the quarterback prepares for the fourth season of a five-year rookie deal.
The Chargers signed Ekeler as a 2017 undrafted free agent from Western State Colorado. He landed a starting role in 2019, signed his latest deal as a restricted free agent after the 2020 season, and has since built up a running back who has struggled to produce behind him.
In six seasons, Ekeler 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 score 25 rushing touchdowns and 25 receiving touchdowns in the NFL’s first six seasons.
Since entering the NFL in 2017, Ekeler ranks 11th among active players with 7,175 total scrimmage yards.
Appearances Joshua Kelly, Isaiah Speller, and Larry Roowntree III remain on the list.
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