Austin Ekeler might be keen on returning to the Los Angeles Chargers, especially after some kind words from his (potentially) new head coach, Jim Harbaugh.
Speaking to Rob Maaddi of the Association Press last week, the former Michigan head coach offered high praise for the Los Angeles Chargers running back while expressing his desire to have him back on the team next season.
“If things go well, it’s going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler and the players. I like Austin Ekeler,” said Harbaugh. “We’re going to have a huge emphasis on the run game, and we gotta block better up front. He’s a tremendous back, and we’d love to have him on the team next year.”
“But yeah, things go well, it’s kind of because of all the players. If it goes bad, it’s because I’m a bad manager, I’m a bad coach,” he added.
Austin Ekeler to weigh his options
Austin Ekeler will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, assuming the Los Angeles Chargers don’t assign him the franchise tag. Because of his ability to be a top running back, for sure, he will have no shortage of suitors this summer.
The Western Colorado product said recently that he wants to get what he’s due in the market, whether that’s with the Los Angeles Chargers or elsewhere.
“For me, it’s an open book, really,” said Ekeler via ESPN. “I haven’t closed anyone off. I definitely want a fair market price, whatever that turns out to be, and that’s going to be determined. That’s TBD, depending on what the appetite for Austin on your team is.”
Austin Ekeler is coming off a “down year”
In 2023, Austin Ekeler racked up 1,064 total yards (628 rushing and 436 receiving) and six touchdowns, and he could’ve had more if he hadn’t missed three games due to injuries. This is considered a “down year” for him by his standards, especially after recording 1,558 total yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021 and 1,637 total yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022.
Despite this, the Los Angeles Chargers were unable to make it to the postseason after making it in 2022 because they went 5-12 during the regular season.