Getty Image / Michael Hickey
Austin Ekeler created a stir within the NFL world after requesting a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers earlier in the offseason.
His future was a bit unclear for a while, but it seems he and the organization found a a way to resolve the issue.
According to Adam Schefter, the Chargers agree to pay Austin Ekeler an extra $2 million in incentives this season. Thus, keeping him in Los Angeles for at least one more year.
Breaking: After an offseason in which he requested to be traded, RB Austin Ekeler is staying with the Chargers and having close to $2M in incentives added to his deal for this season, sources told @AdamSchefter.
Ekeler will be a free agent after this season. pic.twitter.com/ljPRNtF70N
— ESPN (@espn) May 23, 2023
With that said, it’s important to note that Ekeler is still in line to be a free agent in the 2024 offseason. So, there’s a chance this is the last year we’ll see him repping the Chargers.
Regardless, this is good news for Los Angeles. They’re able to keep their superstar running back and don’t have to address that concern for another year.
The offense can focus on improving and remaining as competitive as possible in a loaded AFC West.
LA will need as much help it can get to stay within the playoff race. But that shouldn’t be a problem if Justin Herbert gets back on track and bounces back from a mediocre season a year ago.
With that said, look for the Chargers to be at the top of their game this upcoming season. Ekeler returning allows Los Angeles to maintain its high powered offense.
On top of that, the addition of Quentin Johnston in the wide receiver room could prove to be enough firepower for this team shake things up in the AFC West.