Jan 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers
(New York, NY) — Contrary to his own expectations, Chargers running back Austin Ekler will return to the team in 2023.
The workhorse back has been threatening a holdout all off-season with hopes of getting a lengthy and lucrative extension. Los Angeles is adding two million dollars in incentives in his contract which is minimal compared to what Ekler requested.
“The current state with Austin is that he’s one of the top backs in the league over the last two seasons. He’s been a captain for us,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “We really have the utmost respect for him and the situation.”
Ekler was scheduled to make a little over six million dollars this year which is the last year of his current contract.
In March, it was reported that the running back requested permission to seek a trade, which the Chargers granted after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. He later said during a radio interview that he felt “disrespected” by the organization after failed negotiations.
The undrafted free agent has risen to the ranks of the NFL’s running back elite, and understandably desires his contract to reflect the play. Ekeler has produced north of 1,500 scrimmage yards in three of his last four seasons. He’s also posted 20 and 18 total touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
It is unclear whether Ekeler will now report to OTAs.
