The Los Angeles Chargers are looking for a bounce-back season and they may have to do it without Austin Ekeler. The star running back has been given permission to seek out a trade as he is unhappy with his contract situation. On Sunday, head coach Brandon Staley was asked about the situation and provided a hopeful update.
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Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Ekeler Situation
Staley is optimistic that Ekeler could be on the team in week 1 of the 2023 season. He said the team understands where Ekeler is coming from and remains committed to finding a solution. Here is the full quote from Staley.
“We’ve been in full communication with his team,” Staley said, via Bobby Kownack of NFL.com. “I think there’s alignment and a way forward. We want him to be a Charger. I think that that’s something that (general manager) Tom (Telesco) has said. It’s something I’ve said. We want this guy to be a Charger. We’re also respectful of his position, and we’re gonna see where it goes. There’s gonna 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.”
The team seems to be in communication with Ekeler and his camp. They want him back in the fold as they try to return to the playoffs after a disappointing season last year.
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A Huge Part Of The Offense
One reason the Chargers are wanting Ekeler back is how important he is to the offense. He has found the endzone 25 times in the past two years and has a base salary of just over $6 million. It makes sense that he is looking for more money. He is a three-down back who can pick up yards in both rushing and receiving. The Chargers have plenty of contract situations to figure out outside of Ekeler. Justin Herbert is due for an extension soon and it will be a big one.
If the Los Angeles Chargers do not find a way to bring Austin Ekeler back, they will have to fill a huge void in their offense. Brandon Staley seems optimistic but it will be interesting to see if the team can come to an agreement with the star running back.
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