Training camp is approaching and with a few more weeks of dead time in the NFL offseason, Chargers Wire is documenting each of Los Angeles’ players before it kicks off.
Austin Ekeler heads into a contract year with the Chargers after extension talks between the two sides broke off earlier in the offseason. While Ekeler did initially file a trade request, a contract adjustment with incentives was enough to get him back in the building for 2023.
In his 2022 campaign, Ekeler put up 915 rushing yards, 722 receiving yards, and 18 total scrimmage touchdowns. 915 rushing yards was a career single-season high for the former undrafted running back out of Western Colorado. Ekeler received votes for AP Offensive Player of the Year last season and finished ninth.
While Ekeler might not accumulate better stats this season, one could think a new offensive approach could actually lead to an opportunity for more explosive plays. Despite finishing with 700+ receiving yards, 6.7 yards per reception was actually the lowest of his career. Getting Ekeler into open space creatively and not overusing him as a check-down option could benefit both sides.
Ekeler’s mission for 2023 is simple. In a declining running back market, he’s going to need yet another career year in order to get paid next offseason. Considering the Chargers’ cap situation going forward, 2023 also likely represents Ekeler’s last chance to make a playoff run with this current nucleus of players that he’s been with in LA.
2023 Contract:
- Value: $6.25 million
- Prorated bonus: $1.5 million
- Cap number: $7.75 million
- Fully Guaranteed Money: $0
- Potential incentives added in: $1.75 million
Acquired: Ekeler enters his seventh season with the Chargers in 2023 after being signed as one of their undrafted free agents.
Quote: Ekeler on trade request and returning to the team:
“For me, I understand that I have one more obligation here. One more year that I’m obligated to be here. I wanted to go poke around and see if there was any other value. If not, right? Come back and have my last year. Like I said before, do what I can do here.”
Highlight:
72 YARDS TO THE 🏠 FOR AUSTIN EKELER pic.twitter.com/g78TUi7bcJ
— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2023
