Tag: Chargers Austin Ekeler

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler sounds off on the firings of Brandon Staley, Tom Telesco

Austin Ekeler spoke on Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco being let go of.

Before being “America’s game,” the NFL was a business, which was made clear to Chargers running back Austin Ekeler after his team decided to let go of head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. 

“This is a business, and this is the business side,” Ekeler said Monday on the Ekeler’s Edge podcast. “It’s the ugly side of football. … You also learn that the business of the NFL is not safe for anyone — it’s straight production, or you get out of there.”

He felt blindsided by the firings of Staley and Telesco. Ekeler, along with his teammates, found out about their departures on social media like the rest of the world. 

“There’s anger, there’s confusion, but there’s also a sense of, ‘We gotta make sure we stay together,'” Ekeler said. “As a captain on the team, trying to keep people moving forward. … The game was clearly terrible for us.”

Contrary to popular belief, many players in the NFL are just as uninformed as the average sports fan. Nevertheless, they are the very people directly affected by the business side of the NFL—and it isn’t always in their favor. 

“As us players, we don’t know about any of this stuff,” Ekeler said. “They’re not calling us up like, ‘Hey, this is what happened.’ I’m finding out from Instagram and Twitter that Tom and Brandon had been let go. It’s something I’ve never had to deal with in any of my years playing football — where you actually get rid of a coach in the season.”

Ekeler felt particularly let down by Telesco’s exit, someone who he had established a close relationship with since he began his career as an undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado.

“It sucks,” Ekeler said. “Tom’s the reason I’m even here talking to you guys. Tom’s the guy that has the biggest part in setting that 90-man roster. He decided to put me on there No. 3, Austin Ekeler, back in the day a few years ago. My relationship with Tom, over the years, has been pretty tight because of that.

He obviously believed in me again to bring me back for another contract. … No one ever thought it would come down to what we’re going through right now.”

Like any business contract, each party is expected to hold up their end and in the NFL, players are responsible for competing at the level they agreed to perform at.

Unfortunately, this season hasn’t gone well for Ekeler as he has only scored six touchdowns and rushed for 506 yards. In two consecutive previous seasons, the 28-year-old was the touchdown leader. 

Although he considered leaving Los Angeles in the offseason after frustrations about being underpaid, Ekeler has a decision to make, whether that be to continue playing or even retire once the season is over. 

“This is my last year of the contract here,” the seventh-year running back said. “I have no idea what’s going to happen with me because I still have three games left. … It comes down to what’s the opportunity? I want to have the best opportunity for myself. Does that lie in football, or does that lie somewhere else? Because whatever I put myself in, I’m going to be all-in. It consumes me. I’m talking to my fiancee … do I lean into football? Do I lean into going post-career?

“It really comes down to what’s the situation? How does this look for us? Is it a one-year deal? Is it a two-year deal? What are we trying to do here? Is the money good? … This is going to be real life for me. … So these will be the conversations we will be having with GMs and putting it out there, but if we find a good situation, then absolutely coming back and tearing it up again.”

Highlight: Austin Ekeler scores Chargers’ first touchdown of season vs. Dolphins

Austin Ekeler got the Chargers on the scoreboard first.

Some things never change.

Even with the prolonged contract dispute this offseason, featuring trade rumors and ending with a lack of contract extension, Austin Ekeler is a key cog of the Chargers offense.

There was perhaps nothing more evident of this than LA’s first drive, on which they gave their running back five carries that generated 22 yards and a one-yard touchdown to open the scoring for the Chargers.

The plunge put LA up 7-0 on the Dolphins.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler gives update on trade request

Austin Ekeler is looking for a long-term commitment from any team that might trade for him as his time.

The Chargers’ slow start to free agency can be attributed to their inflexibility relative to the NFL’s rigid salary cap, which the team is up against in their pursuit to add and retain talent ahead of the 2023 season.

One player who has been at a particular disadvantage given their situation is running back Austin Ekeler, who put together the best season of his career last year as the Chargers’ leading runner and scorer.

After talks with the team about an extension that fell through earlier in the offseason, he requested a trade, which has yet to be fulfilled through the first three weeks of the free agency period.

Ekeler took to Fantasy Sports Radio on Sirius XM to give his thoughts on the quandary he is in with Los Angeles, where the Chargers feel it is necessary to move on from him to rectify their cap woes, but potential suitors haven’t been quick to voice their interest in the seventh-year running back.

Though he carefully avoided criticism of the team, Ekeler made it clear that he is looking to get traded to a team that intends to keep him as a centerpiece of their offense for years to come.

“When it comes down to what’s going on with the whole trade and all that stuff, really, look, we’re trying to find a long-term partner,” Ekeler explained. “That’s what we want. We want someone who wants to sign us for a few years and sees us not just in the immediate future, but a couple years out. Once everything halted with the Chargers, alright, it was time to go and see if we can find value somewhere else because they just kind of showed that they weren’t interested at that time.”

Los Angeles hasn’t made any commitment to Ekeler, but he seemed content with the uncertainty surrounding his future and told the show’s hosts that he is willing to wait until after the NFL draft to find a resolution.

“Time will play out,” He said. “Who knows? We’ll see what happens with the draft. But it’s a situation where, look, if a team wants me in the long term, it’s a year where they’re gonna have to give up picks and then also have to renegotiate, so that’s kind of playing against us for sure. But we’ll see, like I said. Time will tell, and we’ll see what happens after the draft.”

The Chargers can hardly afford to lose a player of Ekeler’s caliber, and his departure will deal a huge blow to their offense which benefitted greatly from his production on the ground.

While quarterback Justin Herbert should still be able to find success through the air, Los Angeles will be hard-pressed to find anyone who can replace Ekeler in the short term to contribute to their playoff push in 2023.

Brandon Staley on Austin Ekeler: ‘We want this guy to be a Charger’

Brandon Staley sounds off on Austin Ekeler after he was granted permission to seek a trade.

The Chargers gave running back Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade after the two parties failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension.

As of now, Ekeler remains a member of the team. And head coach Brandon Staley is hopeful that it stays that way.

“We’ve been in full communication with his team,” Staley told NFL Media’s Steve Wyche. “I think there’s alignment and a way forward. We want him to be a Charger. I think that that’s something that Tom [Telesco] has said. It’s something I’ve said. We want this guy to be a Charger.”

Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020. He is due to make $6.25 million this year. He is an important piece of the offense, but his positional value might not be seen as crucial enough by Los Angeles to be worth paying him as much as he is hoping for.

“We’re also respectful of his position, and we’re going to see where it goes. There’s going to be time now between now and our first game, and we’ll see what happens. But I know the Chargers feel very strongly about Austin Ekeler. He’s just been fantastic for us.”

Last season, Ekeler had 915 yards and 13 touchdowns on 204 carries and also led the Chargers with 107 catches and five receiving touchdowns. Ekeler has 38 total touchdowns in the past two seasons, which is the most among NFL skill players.

Ekeler has some leverage because he can hold out during training camp. And the Chargers aren’t in a position to find his replacement. Entering his age-28 season, Ekeler has enough juice to produce a couple more good years. He has missed only one game in the past two seasons.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler explains trade request

Austin Ekeler wants to be paid what he thinks he’s worth.

At the start of the league year, one of the bigger storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers is running back Austin Ekeler.

Out of left field, Ekeler was granted permission to seek a trade. And the reason he has sought out potential suitors was recently revealed on an episode of the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast.

Ekeler said the Chargers had shut him out while discussing a long-term contract. He added that he has nothing against the team but doesn’t want to stay in Los Angeles unless he’s going to get paid what he thinks he’s worth.

“I’m so underpaid right now as far as my contract and what I contribute to the team. I am relentlessly pursuing this,” Ekeler said. “I want to get something long-term done. I want a team that wants me long-term.

I’m at the peak of my game, I’m going to score you another 20 touchdowns. As long as I’m healthy I’m going to score 20 touchdowns, I’m going to have 1,600 all-purpose yards. I’m getting half my value of what I can be getting. So I am relentlessly pursuing someone who wants me.”

Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020. He is due to make $6.25 million this year.

The Chargers have already committed to players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack by restructuring their contracts, which gave them some salary cap leeway this year but will take a significant toll on it in 2024.

Ekeler is an important piece, but his positional value might not be seen as crucial enough by Los Angeles to be worth paying him more. However, the case for Ekeler is that he has been not only productive but healthy, which is something rare at the position; he has missed only one game in the past two seasons.

Ekeler has 38 total touchdowns in the past two seasons, the most among NFL skill players.

Ultimately, I believe Ekeler and L.A. will agree to an extension if they can’t find a trade partner. He has some leverage because he can hold out during training camp. And the Chargers aren’t in a position to find his replacement. Entering his age-28 season, Ekeler has enough juice to produce a couple more good years.

Report: Chargers RB Austin Ekeler requests permission to seek trade

RB Austin Ekeler is seeking a new contract with the Chargers or a new team.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has requested permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, per Ekeler’s agent, Cameron Weiss.

Schefter adds that this comes after Los Angeles and Ekeler could not progress regarding a contract extension.

Ekeler, who signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020, will enter the final year of that contract. He has a $7.75 million cap hit.

Ekeler has 38 total touchdowns in the past two seasons, the most among NFL skill players.

He had the most scrimmage yards (1,637) among running backs and was the first player with 100+ receptions, 10+ rushing and 5+ receiving touchdowns in the same season in 2022. Furthermore, Ekeler is now the franchise record holder in receptions in a single season with 107.

Ekeler will be 28 during the 2023 season. He has been healthy, which is something rare at the position, only missing one game in the past two seasons.

Behind Ekeler at the running back position are Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree and Isaiah Spiller.

Should a trade occur, the Chargers will be in the market for a No. 1 back, which could be filled via free agency or in the draft with someone like Texas’ Bijan Robinson headlining the group.

We will continue to monitor this situation regarding Ekeler and keep you updated.

Pair of Chargers named to PFF’s top 101 players from 2022

Pro Football Focus released their top 101 players from 2022, and the Chargers had two players make the list.

The Chargers had a few key contributors on both sides of the ball this past season.

Pro Football Focus released their top 101 players from 2022, and Los Angeles had two players make the list.

The first player mentioned was center Corey Linsley, who checked in at No. 95.

Linsley allowed just seven pressures across 15 games this past season, none of which were sacks. His run blocking wasn’t quite at the same level, but he has been arguably the best pass-blocking center in the game for several seasons.

Despite missing two games, Linsley continued to show why the Chargers signed him two offseasons ago. The 31-year-old Linsley was dominant in pass protection, finishing with Pro Football Focus’ best pass block grade in the league and zero sacks allowed.

Next up was safety Derwin James at No. 65 overall.

There may not be a more complete NFL safety than Derwin James, who was able to post his second straight largely injury-free season for the Chargers. James has yet to earn a below-average PFF grade in any facet of play over a season in his NFL career.

James, the do-it-all defender, finished the regular season with 115 tackles, five for loss, four sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and an interception in 14 games. He earned his third Pro Bowl nod and was named AP Second-Team All-Pro.

While they didn’t make this list, other players, like quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, cornerback Michael Davis and edge defender Khalil Mack were more than deserving of making it from their play this past season.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler embodies Los Angeles living

Austin Ekeler hits up some of the top spots in Los Angeles and talks about going from a Division II to an NFL running back.

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the City of Angels?

Austin Ekeler was featured in the latest episode of “Put You On” on Whistle’s YouTube channel, and he takes you through some of the top spots in Los Angeles.

In the episode, Ekeler goes to Blue Moon Boat Tours in Marina Del Rey, enjoys dessert at Jeni’s Ice Creams, and concludes the day at the Santa Monica Pier with a beautiful Los Angeles sunset.

Throughout his exploration of the city, Ekeler shares his experience of moving from a small town in Colorado to L.A. and what life was like going from a Division II to an NFL running back.

You can check out the episode in the video below.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler looking to carry over offensive momentum vs. Vikings

The Chargers will look to mimic their offense from last Sunday when they face the Vikings.

After back-to-back underwhelming offensive outputs, the Chargers went all gas, no breaks against the Eagles in Week 9.

Los Angeles did everything that had not been working in the weeks prior, protecting Justin Herbert, getting him on the move, and getting the skill players open in the short to intermediate parts of the field frequently.

As a result, L.A. put together 445 total yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, the offense was far more efficient on early downs.

Austin Ekeler hopes the offense can mirror that against the Vikings, or at least something similar.

“We practiced well, and then it translated to the game,” Ekeler said. “And so that’s what we have to do again this week.”

Against Philadelphia, Ekeler had 17 carries for 59 yards and caught all three of his targets for 23 yards.

The Chargers will be facing a Vikings defense that is more superior to the Eagles. Head coach Mike Zimmer will enforce consistent pressure and pre-snap variations in cover concepts.

The key is putting Herbert in the same position he was in last weekend to have success against Minnesota, which means quick passes, pocket-movement plays, and, most importantly, ensuring he is protected.

“It’s a challenge for us. They’re a great team,” Ekeler said. “I don’t think their record really reflects how good of a team they really are.”

Chargers’ Austin Ekeler compared to legendary running back

Former Pro Bowl quarterback talked about which running back Austin Ekeler resembles.

The Chargers beat the Browns to improve their record to 4-1 on Sunday, 47-42.

A vital player in Los Angeles’ win over Cleveland was running back Austin Ekeler, who had three total touchdowns, all of which came in the wild, high-scoring fourth quarter.

This season, the undrafted running back has been a key piece in offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. He is responsible for seven of the team’s touchdowns, which is tied with Titans RB Derrick Henry for the most.

“Austin’s one of those guys that’s the ultimate competitor,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “What you can do is activate him in the passing game and in the running game to give you an advantage depending on how people are playing you. I feel like he showcased both of those things.”

Ekeler’s latest performances highlighted his versatility, something that former Pro Bowl quarterback Trent Green has also noted.

Green, currently a color analyst for CBS Sports, competed with various versatile running backs throughout his professional career, including Brian Mitchell, Marshall Faulk, and Priest Holmes.

When asked which running back Ekeler most closely resembles, Green elaborated.

“I would probably compare him more to Priest,” Green said. “It is amazing how strong [Ekeler] is. His strength is incredible. Even though he is small in stature, he is a between-the-tackle kind of runner.

He is an excellent receiver out in space. I would compare him more to Priest, because Priest was similar in stature, did not have a problem going in between the tackles, was good out in space in the screen game and out wide.”

Holmes spent much of his career in Kansas City and earned three consecutive first-team All-Pro Selections. He is considered the engine of the Chiefs’ original high-power offense.

Green and Holmes led the Chiefs to a 13-3 record during the 2003 season. Holmes also won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000 and was a 1,000-yard rusher for Baltimore in 1998.

The sky is the limit for the Chargers’ offense. Not only does the unit have a star quarterback in Justin Herbert, but it also possesses a slew of skill players, which includes the do-it-all playmaker with Ekeler.