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A surprise to Los Angeles Chargers fans, Austin Ekeler has asked for, and been granted, permission to seek a trade from Los Angeles. Ekeler and the Chargers have reportedly made no progress on a contract extension, prompting Ekeler to look elsewhere to find his next deal.
The Los Angeles Chargers have granted running back Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/Dmjk2ZYA6u
— TWSN (@TWSN___) March 14, 2023
Ekeler is entering the final year of a four-year, $24.5 million contract that many would say he has outperformed. With that being said, the Chargers have found themselves up against the salary cap and are forced to renegotiate with contracted stars in order to free up space. The Chargers this offseason have already negotiated new deals with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack to free up over $25 million in cap space. Ekeler and the Chargers could still come to an agreement, but if not, the Chargers will be in need of a replacement. Let’s take a look at three options that could serve the Los Angeles Super Chargers for the 2023 season:
Jamaal Williams
The Chargers will look for someone that can make the most of the opportunities in the red zone, and that could be Jamaal Williams. The free agent led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2022 and is an effective in-between the tackle’s runner. Williams is being projected to receive a two-year deal worth $4.5 Million a year, which is less than Ekeler’s current rate for 2023.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is being released by the Dallas Cowboys to free up cap space, which could reunite Elliott with his former offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. An experienced, top running back operating in an offense he’s familiar with could make Elliott an interesting choice for the Chargers. The Chargers do not appear to be in the market for a big multi-year contract, but Elliott would be worth taking a flier on a one-year deal.
Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson grew up watchin the @Chargers
CHARGER @Bijan5Robinson https://t.co/S3H07UkY7C
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) March 13, 2023
The most likely option for the Chargers to replace Ekeler will be available in the first round of the NFL Draft. Bijan Robinson, from Texas, is one of the most promising running back prospects in recent history. Robinson has been projected to be drafted anywhere between pick 15 to 30. With the Chargers selecting 21st, look for a pick on a player that shows a similar skill set as Ekeler. Robinson ran for 1,580 yards with 18 touchdowns in 2022 with the Texas Longhorns.
