After going down with an Achilles injury to end his 2025 campaign, free agent running back Austin Ekeler has been officially cleared to play football this upcoming season. Ekeler, a former undrafted pick, started his career with the Los Angeles Chargers and became one of the most ferocious, elusive backs in the league. However, due to durability and aging issues, the Chargers decided to let him walk in free agency. Ekeler joined the Washington Commanders, finishing the 2024 season with 77 carries for 367 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go with 35 receptions for 366 receiving yards.<\/p>\n
However, in the second game of the 2025 campaign, the running back suffered a non-contact injury, which forced him to miss the entirety of the season. The Commanders moved on with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and former Chris Rodriguez as their main backs for the offense. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC,<\/a> the soon-to-be 31-year-old should be gaining solid interest within the next couple of weeks. Along with other free agents, including Najee Harris and Joe Mixon<\/a>, Ekeler shouldn’t expect to get the best deal for this upcoming season.<\/p>\n The veteran is entering a point in his career where he needs to take a bare minimum of a one-year deal. Ekeler is past his prime and will try to find his footing with a run offense that could use his services. It will take a bit before a team signs, most likely before Harris and Mixon, but Ekeler has been working through and will try to find a home at least by August.<\/p>\n The running back won’t earn a starting role, but he’s still one of the better durable veterans given his experience. In his career, Ekeler has 1,561 touches for 9,053 yards and 73 touchdowns.<\/p>\n The Cowboys came into the 2026 NFL Draft prioritizing the defense<\/a>, but they didn’t select a running back. While they’re betting on Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis to step up for Javonte Williams<\/a>, it might be a safe decision for the team to take a look at Ekeler. He might not start over Blue, but it gives Dak Prescott another versatile offensive weapon to depend on in screen play situations. Ekeler doesn’t just run the ball, but he can catch and make some moves the Cowboys haven’t seen before.<\/p>\n On tape, it might not be the same anymore, but he still has some type of durability to shine on a solid one-year contract.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Packers still have Josh Jacobs<\/a> atop their running back unit, but they need someone to back him up.<\/a> While Marshawn Lloyd is still struggling to make an impact, it might be beneficial for Jordan Love’s ground game to grab Ekeler. The team re-signed Chris Brooks, but he hasn’t done anything special. Why not get Ekeler on a veteran minimum deal to help as a 1-2 punch receiving back to help Jacobs on the ground?<\/p>\nTop NFL Free Agent Austin Ekeler “Cleared” to Play in 2026; 3 Potential Fits<\/h2>\n
Possible Landing Spots<\/h2>\n
Dallas Cowboys<\/h3>\n
Green Bay Packers<\/h3>\n
Baltimore Ravens<\/h3>\n