Remember when the Washington Commanders signed veteran running back Austin Ekeler to a two-year deal in the early moments of free agency in March? Many reacted that Washington overpaid Ekeler. We aren’t sure how giving Ekeler a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million is a bad deal.
Ekeler had a down year for the Chargers in 2023. However, the Chargers, much like the Commanders, had a horrible season playing out the string with a lame-duck head coach. Additionally, Ekeler was dealing with a nagging injury that he played through for most of the season.
Washington, with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, had a plan for Ekeler. His signing with the Commanders reunited Ekeler with his first NFL head coach, Anthony Lynn. Washington hired Lynn as the running backs coach/run game coordinator in the offseason. The Commanders believe a backfield consisting of Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. can be one of the NFL’s best.
Ekeler, who has been the NFL’s best pass-catching back for several seasons, can also be a safety valve for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Ekeler still believes he has plenty left to give Washington.
“It’s been great,” Ekeler told Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington. “I think every year is the same type of adjustment minus this year for me the location. What I mean by that is coming in, establishing yourself, establishing your role, being a leader at the position I’m at, and continue to bring everyone along and push yourself at the same time.”
Ekeler then discussed his motivation entering year eight of his career.
So many new faces on this Washington Commanders team.
One of the biggest additions, Austin Ekeler.
The RB has a fire and hunger to continue to be great in this league.
Austin said, "it's something that has been built into my journey…I have no intentions of slowing down." pic.twitter.com/s0MC0j8FXY
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 26, 2024
“I think it’s just really something that’s been built into my journey. I’ve come from what I call the bottom and took the stairs. And have no intentions of slowing down. So, for me, it’s continue to push myself because I want to see how far I can take my capabilities.”
Ekeler seems excited about his role in Kingsbury’s offense.
“To put the right plays in place and put players like myself, I’m all over the field, I’m in the slot, I’m out wide,” Ekeler said.
Washington believes it has two starting running backs, Robinson and Ekeler. Both will be on the field at the same time at times.