COSTA MESA, Calif.– Austin Ekeler is prepared to put his trade demand behind him in what is potentially his last year in Los Angeles.
Ekeler requested a trade this offseason after the Los Angeles Chargers decreased to offer the running back an extension. The 2 sides ultimately repaired their fences last month when the Chargers included $1.75 million in rewards to Ekeler’s existing agreement after a trade never ever emerged.
” I comprehend I have another year that I’m bound to be here. I wished to go poke around to see if there was any other worth,” Ekeler stated Wednesday. “If not, return and have my in 2015 and do what I can do here.”
Ekeler, who is going into the 4th and last year of a $24.5 million offer, was arranged to make $6.25 million this season. Ekeler’s modified agreement provides him a possibility to make more cash and permits him to strike complimentary firm next year. Although, he’s aware that the NFL’s running back market has actually plunged over the last few years.
Running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard were all offered 1 year franchise tag classifications this offseason. While veteran running backs such as Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and most just recently Dalvin Cook are complimentary representatives.
” What’s been occurring with the environment around the running back market has actually been quite hard,” Ekeler stated. “I am glad for the method it played out. The Chargers did offer me something in the middle, some kind of reward. I appreciate of that due to the fact that they didn’t need to do that. I comprehend there’s a company side to all of this. However I would not be doing myself service if I was going and searching for more worth while I can.”
The 2017 undrafted complimentary representative has actually signed up 3,727 hurrying lawns, 3,448 getting lawns and 63 goals throughout his profession. Because 2021, Ekeler leads the NFL with 38 goals from skirmish.
Ekeler wasn’t in presence for the Chargers’ voluntary exercises, however he did take part in the group’s obligatory minicamp today as he gets ready for an essential season in his profession.
” He remains in such excellent shape. He’s such an expert. He’s on top of his tasks,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley stated. “All of us understand who Austin Ekeler is, however you never ever take it for approved due to the fact that he appeared and it was excellent to see him.”
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This year may be the last time, however, Staley sees Ekeler in a Chargers uniform.
” As far as my scenario, I’ll bank on myself any day of the week,” Ekeler stated. “That’s what I have actually been doing all my life.”
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