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Austin Ekeler, the talented running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, has expressed his desire to explore trade options, citing a desire to find a long-term partner. After three weeks of searching, however, he has yet to find a suitable team to take him on.
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Ekeler discussed the status of his trade request, stating: “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 also acknowledged that, in the event that he is unable to secure a trade, he would have no choice but to return to the Chargers and play for the team in the upcoming 2023 season. He stated: “Look, I guess the worst-case scenario right now out of all of it, I’ll come back and I’ll have to play for the Chargers for a year and bet on myself and then be a free agent next year.”
Ekeler went on to say that he felt “disrespected” by the Chargers organization.
Despite his desire to leave the Chargers, Ekeler has been a key player for the team over the past few seasons. Alongside quarterback Justin Herbert, he has been a driving force behind the Chargers’ offense. In the 2022 season, he had a career year, rushing for 915 yards on 4.5 yards per carry, while catching an impressive 107 passes for 722 yards. He also scored an NFL-leading 18 total touchdowns.
Over the course of his career, Ekeler has established himself as one of the league’s most talented running backs. He has amassed 7,175 total yards, caught 389 passes, and scored 63 total touchdowns.
While Ekeler’s desire to leave the Chargers may be a cause for concern for fans of the team, his talent and dedication cannot be denied. Whether he remains with the Chargers or finds a new team, he is sure to continue making an impact on the field in the seasons to come.