The Los Angeles Chargers are losing a key player, while the Washington Commanders are gaining a significant piece to help them become a competitive team once again.
The Commanders will be signing veteran star running back Austin Ekeler to a two-year contract, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Veteran RB Austin Ekeler is signing with the #Commanders on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, per sources.
After seven seasons — and 69 TDs! — with the #Chargers, Ekeler has a new home on a deal negotiated by agents Justin Ross and Greg Brookey of @DynamicSportGrp. pic.twitter.com/3oh6wOvEpZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
At age 28 and nearing his 29th birthday, which will come in May, Ekeler may not have a lot of productive years remaining, but he has been rather productive in recent years.
In both 2021 and 2022, he led the NFL in total touchdowns from scrimmage, and he totaled 1,826 rushing yards, 177 receptions, and 1,369 receiving yards during that time.
However, in 2023, his numbers dipped to 628 rushing yards, 51 catches, 436 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns in 14 games, and he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, which was by far a career low.
Ekeler had wanted to secure a contract extension last offseason, but the Chargers had no interest in giving him one, and for a moment, it looked like perhaps he was immediately on his way out.
But he returned for one final season in Los Angeles, and now he will be joining a team that is looking to rise from the basement.
The Commanders don’t have a lot of offensive weapons, but they do have the No. 2 pick in April’s draft, which they will presumably use on a potential franchise quarterback such as Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.
They’re under new ownership after a group led by billionaire investor Josh Harris purchased them from the controversial Daniel Snyder, and perhaps they will become a consistent winner not too long from now.
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