The Washington Commanders struck again during Monday’s legal tampering period, agreeing to terms with Chargers running back Austin Ekeler on a two-year deal. One of the NFL’s best running backs in recent years, Ekeler reunites with his first NFL head coach, Anthony Lynn, now Washington’s running backs coach/run game coordinator.
Earlier on Monday, Washington saw Antonio Gibson agree to a three-year deal with the New England Patriots. Ekeler, who has 440 career receptions and 30 receiving touchdowns, will replace Gibson as the Commanders’ third-down/pass-catching back under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Ekeler is the ideal complement to starting running back Brian Robinson Jr.
In seven NFL seasons, Ekeler has 69 touchdowns and will help make life easier for Washington’s next quarterback.
What did everyone think of the Commanders signing Ekeler? We took to Twitter to see some of the top reactions to Ekeler landing in Washington.
Live and semi-direct from a school parking lot my thoughts on Austin Ekeler to my Commanders. #HTTC @rotoworld_fb pic.twitter.com/1HFlj9lHWd
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 11, 2024
Austin Ekeler gets a $3 million signing bonus and $4.82M total in Year 1, with a chance to earn another $1.5M in incentives this season. A big addition for the new regime in Washington. https://t.co/qv7basPY0m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
Just saw the Austin Ekeler signing. Not all that much money and still young enough to have a few more good years left as he’s only 28. They’ve gotten value in all four of their picksâ¦
— Dave Scarangella (@DaveScarangella) March 11, 2024
Ekeler has averaged 10 TDs per season over the last three. Sign me up for his average.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) March 11, 2024
On Austin Ekeler to the Commanders.
ð They needed a pass-catching RB.
ð Will be great safety valve for rookie QB.
ð Won't make much more than 4 or 5 AAV.
ð Gives them something different than B-Rob and C-Rod. pic.twitter.com/Q0wcw7wkr6— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 11, 2024
Austin Ekeler, as most of you know, smells the end zone. The Commanders, as most of you know, have been horrendous in the red zone since the days of Riggins, Byner and Gerald Riggs. Good, economical pickup to pair at RB with Brian Robinson.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 11, 2024
What I love about the Austin Ekeler signing.
The dude is a leader. He will be a great voice in the Commanders locker room.
Thunder and Lightning combo on the field too with Brian Robinson Jr. as the power back. pic.twitter.com/szYQyjPxsY
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) March 11, 2024
I would expect a lot passes to Ekeler this upcoming season #HTTC #Commanders #NFL pic.twitter.com/BoarlWCpHm
— MisterWhoo (@MisterWhoo1) March 11, 2024
We've all seen the 13 MPH Packers run, but worth remembering Austin Ekeler was fully healthy for less than one full game in 2023.
High-ankle sprains are no joke. Dude hit 19.6 MPH before the injury.pic.twitter.com/zgzxrDJWMs
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 11, 2024
Brian Robinson Jr and Austin Ekeler are the perfect combo I love it. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/9RxVyA0Mot
— Zac (@DCzWall) March 11, 2024
Adding Ertz and Ekeler is impressive work by Washington, the Commanders are looking real nice heading into the 2020 season
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) March 11, 2024
Ekeler and Anthony Lynn linking back up pic.twitter.com/UFlSOX9OOt
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 11, 2024
5.5 million per year for a back who's a GAMECHANGER when he's healthy
B-Rob will eat up the middle and then Ekeler will compliment him as a receiving back. Our future rookie QB should be excited â¼ï¸ pic.twitter.com/jFBiK5rUiH
— ððµð¿ð¶ðµð®ð» ðª (@CommanderMaye) March 11, 2024
Love the Ekeler deal, he is gonna help that rookie QB a ton
— Beerly Kerry ð» (@BeerlyKerry) March 12, 2024
