Running back Austin Ekeler was an integral part of the Chargers’ offense in 2022, but frustrations with his current contract caused issues for him in the offseason, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
Ekeler will suit up for Los Angeles as planned in 2023 with an eye toward the future. If history has taught fans anything about players in contract seasons, his production should see a significant uptick next season.
Ekeler will be playing not only for his pride and the team’s success but for a payday that could be in the tens of millions of dollars per year if his counting stats warrant such an investment by a running back-needy team.
After rushing for just under 1,000 yards last season in 17 games, it isn’t a stretch to think that he might be able to eclipse the four-digit threshold for the first time in his career in 2023.
What makes him such a valuable asset, though, is his versatility. Ekeler’s steady presence in the passing game as a safety valve for Justin Herbert is part of what opposing defenses fear, and in a make-or-break season, he can be expected to exceed the 722 yards and 5 touchdowns he managed through the air last year.
The bottom line is this: Ekeler is one of the NFL’s premier running backs in an exceptionally explosive offense under new coordinator Kellen Moore, and his contract situation will motivate him to play with an extra edge in each game on the Bolts’ schedule.
Watch for him to set career highs in multiple categories next season and for a team looking to upgrade its offense to pounce on the chance to add him at the trade deadline or in the 2024 free agency period.
Our prediction: 225 carries for 1,050 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. 95 receptions for 800 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
