The Chargers will begin revamping their roster in the next couple of months when free agency starts.
That includes re-signing some of their own pending free agents. But among the players likely not to be back next season is running back Austin Ekeler.
“I’m not going to be with these guys anymore, and it’s one of those journeys that I’ll always remember,” Ekeler said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “But sad that it has to end.”
Following a trade request this past offseason, Ekeler stayed with Los Angeles after $1.75 million in incentives were added to his contract.
Even though he surpassed 1,000 total yards on the year, Ekeler had a disappointing 2023 season. He wasn’t efficient on the ground, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry.
Ekeler, who was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted rookie back in 2017, has 4,355 rushing yards, 3,884 receiving yards and 69 total touchdowns across seven seasons.
Even though Ekeler will be 29 years old next season, his versatility should still appeal to a handful of NFL teams.
Along with Ekeler, Joshua Kelley is slated to be a free agent. That just leaves Isaiah Spiller as the only member in the backfield, so expect the Chargers to add to the positional group this offseason.