Chargers restructure Austin Ekeler's contract with incentives for 2023 season
Running back Austin Ekeler is staying in Los Angeles, at least for one more season.
The Chargers added $1.75 million in incentives to Ekeler’s current contract to entice him to remain in Southern California, a person familiar with the situation told Paste BN Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Ekeler, who is entering the fourth and final season of a $24.5 million deal, was scheduled to earn $6.25 million this season.
Ekeler’s overall average annual salary value of $6.125 million ranked 13th among NFL running backs, per overthecap.com.
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Sweetening Ekeler’s contract ends the trade request that the running back asked the Chargers earlier this offseason. Adding incentives to the deal is positive for both sides. It gives Ekeler a chance to earn more money, which he wants, and allows him to hit free agency when his contract expires at the end of the year. For the Chargers, they get to keep one of the better running backs in the NFL for the 2023 season.
Ekeler has amassed 3,727 rushing yards, 3,448 receiving yards and 63 touchdowns during his career. Since 2021, Ekeler leads the NFL with 38 touchdowns from scrimmage. The 28-year-old running back has led the Chargers in rushing yards for the past three seasons.
"He's one of the top backs in the league over the last two seasons. He's been a captain for us. We really have the utmost respect for him and the situation. It's been respectful on both sides," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said Monday. "Looking forward to this spring."
What does reworked deal means for Austin Ekeler and the Chargers?
It is likely this season will be Ekeler’s last in Los Angeles as his contract is set to expire at the end of the year. The Chargers decision to add incentives to the final year of his deal gives Ekeler an opportunity to explore free agency next offseason.
The Chargers currently have Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller behind Ekeler on their running back depth chart. Los Angeles will probably strongly consider drafting a running back in the 2024 NFL draft if Kelley or Spiller don’t emerge this season.
Follow Paste BN Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.