The Los Angeles Chargers have a capable running back in Austin Ekeler. He has excellent running and catching abilities. In two years, he has scored 38 goals. Each year, he has run and caught the ball for more than 1,500 yards. However, Ekeler is not well compensated. In 2020, he agreed to a four-year, $24.5 million contract. That is not a lot of money for a good running back. He also received guarantees totaling $15 million. That means he gets the money regardless of what happens. In this article, we will see Austin Ekeler betting on himself in what could be his final year in LA. We will also see why he believes he deserves a long-term contract and why he wants to stay with the Chargers.

The Star Running Back Has Added Incentives To His Contract As He Seeks A Long-Term Deal

Austin Ekeler is one of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile running backs. From 2021 to 2022, he led the league with 38 total touchdowns and has accumulated over 1,500 scrimmage yards in each of the last two seasons. He is also an important part of the Chargers’ passing game, having caught 107 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns in 2022.  However, despite his impressive production and value to the team, Ekeler is not among the highest-paid players in his position. In March 2020, he signed a four-year, $24.5 million contract with the Chargers, putting him 14th among running backs in terms of average annual salary.  He also received $15 million in guarantees, with $13.75 million fully guaranteed at the time of signing.

Ekeler Requested A Trade After Extension Talks Stalled

In 2023, the final year of his contract, Ekeler was scheduled to earn $6.25 million. That figure is far below his worth after he established himself as a workhorse back and team leader. He hoped to sign a long-term contract extension with the Chargers that reflected his market value and rewarded him for his performance.  However, extension talks stalled, and Ekeler became frustrated with the lack of progress. He requested a trade earlier this spring, hoping to find a new home that would value him and compensate him appropriately. The Chargers had no intention of trading their star running back, but they did allow his representatives to shop around and see what offers were available.

Ekeler Agreed To A Revised Contract With Added Incentives

The crowded running back market did not provide much for Ekeler, who realized he had a better chance of staying with the Chargers and betting on himself. He agreed to a revised contract that includes $1.75 million in reachable incentives in addition to his current deal. The incentives are based on his yards from scrimmage, touchdowns, and Pro Bowl selection. The new contract is a compromise between Ekeler and the Chargers, who both want to continue working together but see his worth differently. Ekeler will have the opportunity to earn more money if he continues to perform well, while the Chargers will not have to commit any additional guaranteed money or cap space to him. The incentives also motivate Ekeler to stay healthy and productive throughout the season.

Ekeler Will Be A Free Agent In 2024 If No Extension Is Reached

The revised contract does not change Ekeler’s status as a potential free agent in 2024. If he and the Chargers do not reach an extension before then, he will hit the open market and test his value. The Chargers could also use the franchise tag on him, which would pay him around $12 million for one year. Ekeler has said that he loves playing for the Chargers and wants to stay with them for his entire career. However, he also wants to be paid fairly and competitively for his contributions and skills. He hopes that his revised contract will be a stepping stone to a long-term deal that will keep him in LA for years to come.

Ekeler Is A Very Good Running Back In The Nfl

In the NFL, Ekeler is a very good running back. He is a better runner and receiver than most running backs. He has run and caught the ball for 4.6 yards and 8.9 yards, respectively, in his career. In addition, he has 63 goals in 89 games.

When you consider how much Ekeler plays, his numbers are very good. In a year, he has never run or caught the ball more than 206 or 127 times. He has also worked with other running backs. He has also been hurt sometimes.

Ekeler has also performed admirably for fantasy football players. For three of the last four years, he has been one of the best running backs in the league. Since 2019, he has scored at least 10 points in 80% of his games. In that time, he has also scored more than 20 points in 11 games and more than 30 points in four games.

Ekeler Is A Big Part Of The Chargers’ Team And A Leader

Ekeler is a leader not only on the field but also off it. He is one of the Chargers’ most popular and well-liked players. His teammates, coaches, and fans all get along well with him. He works hard, behaves well, and thinks clearly.

Ekeler also contributes significantly to the Chargers’ offense. Young players on the team include Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Jared Cook. Ekeler contributes to their success by running and catching the ball. He can make big plays with his speed, moves, and skills.

Ekeler’s play benefits his teammates and improves the team. Herbert can also block for himself when he throws the ball. He can do everything well on offense.

Ekeler Wants To Have A Great Year In 2023 With A New Coach

Ekeler hopes to have a successful year in 2023. He wants to work with Brandon Staley, a new coach. In 2022, Staley coached the Rams’ defense. That season, the Rams had the best defense in the league. Staley, on the other hand, enjoys Ekeler’s play and role. Staley stated that he intends to build the offense around Ekeler and Herbert. He stated that he intends to use Ekeler in a variety of ways. Ekeler’s leadership and character were also praised by him. He said he was a good fit for the team.

Ekeler is excited to play center and demonstrate his abilities in his system. He believes he can have his best season yet and help the Chargers win games and a Super Bowl. Furthermore, his new job and financial objectives are what motivate him. He sees them as a test and a chance to show himself.

Ekeler hopes it will not be his final year in LA, but he wants to perform well in what might be it. He wants to stay with the Chargers and continue to perform well for them. With the team that gave him a chance as an undrafted player, he believes he has more to give and more to gain. The long-term contract he needs and wants should be secured by his performance in 2023, he hopes.

Conclusion: 

Austin Ekeler is a star running back who merits a long-term contract, to sum up. For the past four years, he has been among the NFL’s most productive and effective running backs. A key member of the Chargers’ team and offense, he has also served as a leader. The team that gave him a chance as an undrafted player has seen his devotion and love for them. However, the Chargers have not paid Ekeler well or kept him for long. He desired more money and a longer contract, but he did not receive them. Despite his request, he was unable to find another team to play for. Although he agreed to receive more money if he performs well, he still prefers a long-term contract.