Austin Ekeler seeking trade; Top 5 landing spots for Chargers RB
(BVM) – Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision came after preliminary talks between Ekeler and the Los Angeles Chargers – the franchise that signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL Draft – aimed at a contract extension did not progress.
Ekeler’s undrafted status is important context in this scenario because despite his 38 touchdowns over the last two seasons (no other player has more than 26 over that span), his $7.75 million cap hit for 2023 ranks 11th among running backs. The Chargers signed Ekeler to a team-friendly deal after the 2019 season (four-year, $24.5 million extension) but he has far outplayed that contract.
Entering the final year of his current deal and turning 28 years old in May, the time is now for Ekeler to negotiate a deal that matches his elite production, whether that be from the Chargers or another team.
With that in mind, here are the top 5 landing spots via trade for Ekeler.
