The Los Angeles Chargers let Austin Ekeler walk in free agency last year, but they could get him back in 2025. The veteran signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders and played well during his first season with the club. Splitting work with established starter Brian Robinson, the veteran finished the season with 733 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns while helping the team make it to the NFC Championship Game.
Ekeler was a fine complementary back, but that might not be enough to save his job. Bleacher Report recently published an article on each team’s most likely cut candidate, and the veteran running back was at the top of the list. While Ekeler is still a good player, the article notes they could get Ekeler’s production in the passing game “at a much cheaper rate” and save $3.5 million by parting ways with the veteran. While the Chargers would probably welcome a reunion, the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs could also be interested in signing Austin Ekeler.
Chargers Could Reunite With Austin Ekeler After Projected Cut
Austin Ekeler never played for Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, but that doesn’t mean the current head coach isn’t a fan of the former undrafted free agent. Last year at this point, Harbaugh called Ekeler a “tremendous” back and that he’d “love to have him on the team.” While the two sides ultimately couldn’t come to terms on a deal, the biggest driving factor was the money. At the time, Los Angeles had several bloated contracts and couldn’t match Washington’s offer. Now, however, the Chargers should be able to easily secure Ekeler’s services.
As of this posting, the Chargers are projected to have over $63 million in cap space, and they could easily create more by releasing Joey Bosa. While a sizable chunk of that change will go towards the interior offensive line, edge defender, and wide receivers, Los Angeles should be able to upgrade the backfield. Gus Edwards did not work out, so the Chargers should welcome Austin Ekeler back with open arms, especially if they pair him with one of the many talented running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Other Fits
Of course, the Los Angeles Chargers won’t be the only team trying to sign Austin Ekeler. The Baltimore Ravens have a superstar running back in Derrick Henry, and Ekeler will not take touches away from the future Hall of Famer. He could, however, provide some much-needed support on passing downs. At his peak, Ekeler was arguably the NFL’s best receiving back, and he’s still one of the league’s better sets of hands. Derrick Henry is a lot of things, but he doesn’t bring much as a receiver. Adding Ekeler for clear passing downs should add another threat to an aerial attack that is already one of the best in the league.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, will likely rebuild their backfield in the coming months. Isiah Pacheco is a free agent, and the team probably can’t afford his services. Even if they do bring him back, this team could use a more reliable set of hands. Andy Reid is one of the best in the game at scheming targets to running backs, and combining his smarts with a receiver like Ekeler will only give defensive coordinators another reason to stay up at night.
Main Photo: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
