The Los Angeles Rams don’t have to look far if they’re searching for a running back capable of backing up Kyren Williams in 2024, as it was suggested that the team should go after Austin Ekeler, who is set to hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career.
According to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, moving to the Los Angeles Rams would benefit Ekeler since it means that he won’t have to move out to a different city and because he would no longer shoulder the responsibility of being one of their top dogs on offense.
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“Ekeler could be a nice complement to the (Kyren Williams) punishing running style and add versatility to head coach Sean McVay’s backfield as a receiver that could lighten Williams’ workload,” wrote Podell. “That arrangement would be mutually beneficial to both Williams and Ekeler.”
A few weeks ago, Jim Harbaugh sounded like he was keen on re-signing Austin Ekeler to a new deal this summer. But if they fail to do so, expect the Los Angeles Rams to be interested, to say the least.
How would Austin Ekeler fit with the Los Angeles Rams?
Sean McVay hasn’t had a dual-threat running back since Todd Gurley back in his heyday, and theoretically, Austin Ekeler could fit the bill. In his best season in 2022, Austin Ekeler managed to rack up 915 rushing yards and 722 receiving yards for 18 touchdowns (13 rushing, five receiving).
In 2023, however, Ekeler is coming off a down year by his lofty standards, having recorded 628 rushing yards and 436 receiving yards for six touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving), although it is worth noting that the Western Colorado product missed three games due to injuries.
Austin Ekeler will split duties with Kyren Williams, who is coming off a productive sophomore season, having registered 1,144 rushing yards, 206 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns (12 rushing, three receiving). However, Williams only played 12 games due to injuries, so adding someone like Ekeler would ensure that the Los Angeles Rams wouldn’t skip a beat if he sat out.
Austin Ekeler made it clear that he wants to get paid this summer, and the Los Angeles Rams can do that given their cap space of roughly $43 million. But more importantly, joining the Los Angeles Rams is the right move for Ekeler since they can offer him the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.
