Austin Ekeler, one of the NFL’s most productive running backs over the last few years, wants a massive payday. The Los Angeles Chargers don’t want to give it to him. And so we find ourselves at a standstill, with trade talks ongoing for Ekeler but no apparent real momentum.
Such is the life of a star NFL player in the backfield.
During an interview with SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Ekeler — who led the league in total touchdowns from 2021-2022 — offered some clarity about his Chargers’ future. He maintained that he and the Chargers are trying to find a “long-term partner” — someone who would give the financial security and stability Los Angeles is clearly unwilling to.
But even while he sounded optimistic that a deal might get done between now and the 2023 NFL Draft at the end of the month, Ekeler is already preparing himself for the worst case.
"I want to be a Charger."@AustinEkeler explains his long-term plan on Fantasy Dirt with @Michael_Fabiano & @AmberTheoharis. pic.twitter.com/r2nxGhmMWX
— Fantasy Sports Radio (@SiriusXMFantasy) April 4, 2023
Oof. That part about Ekeler “betting on himself” and playing through 2023 so he can become a free agent next spring is just hard to listen to. I mean, it’s true and is the unfortunate reality running backs face in modern pro football, but you still feel for him.
Rather than get the enormous contract he deserves and has earned, Ekeler might have to risk potential injury next season just so he can hit the open market … to get a huge contract. What a possible cruel irony and twist of fate for a player who shouldn’t be enduring such treatment.
But maybe that’s what life is for a multifaceted running back in 2023: you do all the work, are so productive, and you’re still woefully underappreciated.