Austin Ekeler

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has requested permission to explore options for a trade, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on ...

His 107 receptions in 2022 ranked fifth in the NFL and first among all RBs. He's now entering the final year of that deal, set to play at $6.25 million in 2023. What's not clear, however, is whether the Chargers will respond to Ekeler's hardball tactics -- or if they will grant him permission to shop himself.

Ekeler is headed into the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract extension he signed back in 2020. He's set to count against L.A.'s books for $7.75 ...

[Alvin Kamara](/nfl/players/2082721/alvin-kamara/) days with the [Saints](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/NO/new-orleans-saints/). [Houston Texans](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/HOU/houston-texans/) [Miami Dolphins](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/MIA/miami-dolphins/) [Denver Broncos](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/DEN/denver-broncos/) [Jamaal Williams](/nfl/players/2001287/jamaal-williams/) to the [Buffalo Bills](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/BUF/buffalo-bills/). [Detroit Lions](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/DET/detroit-lions/) [Raheem Mostert](/nfl/players/2174957/raheem-mostert/), then traded away Edmonds and acquired [Jeff Wilson](/nfl/players/2925161/jeff-wilson/) Jr. Both Wilson and Mostert, along with [Salvon Ahmed](/nfl/players/2815163/salvon-ahmed/) and [Myles Gaskin](/nfl/players/2180360/myles-gaskin/), are free agents this offseason. Moore](/nfl/players/2179328/d-j-moore/). [Los Angeles Chargers](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/LAC/los-angeles-chargers/) could be on the verge of losing one of their most important playmakers. He has become arguably the most trusted target for [Justin Herbert](/nfl/players/2221960/justin-herbert/), and last season led all running backs with 102 receptions. [Saquon Barkley](/nfl/players/2185957/saquon-barkley/), [Josh Jacobs](/nfl/players/2257876/josh-jacobs/), and [Tony Pollard](/nfl/players/2184011/tony-pollard/)) all receiving the franchise tag, it's possible that back-needy teams could view him as a desirable alternative.

The star Chargers running back requested a trade on Monday as free agency opened in the NFL.

Doing so would give Jones another passing option and could help split the workload for both Ekeler and Stevenson. Rhamondre Stevenson was a revelation with 1,040 rushing yards on 210 carries and 421 receiving yards on 69 receptions, while Damien Harris continued to look strong as a power back with 462 yards on 106 attempts. Mac Jones took a major step back in 2022 after finishing as the Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2021. He would also be a useful weapon in the short passing game and help open up more deep shots for Hill and Waddle in 2023. The Dolphins' offense experienced a major jump in its first season with Tyreek Hill at wide receiver and Mike McDaniel calling plays. Brown and Jameson Williams give Jared Goff a strong one-two punch in the passing game, and Ekeler would be both a standout third weapon through the air and would eliminate any uncertainty in the running back room. Swift has started only 16 games in his three seasons in the NFL and appeared in a total of 40, and while he's been effective when on the field — career 4.6 yards per carry and 7.7 yards per reception — he has yet to fully capture the position. But if the price is right, Ekeler would go a long way toward making this one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. While Herbert is back in 2023, Montgomery is a free agent, leaving an opening in the backfield that could be just right for Ekeler. The emergence of Justin Fields showed just how dangerous the Bears' rushing offense can be with the right pieces in place. He would give the team a running back currently in his prime who could take some of the weight off Allen's shoulders and move the team away from being as one-dimensional as it was in 2022. The Bills leaned heavily on their franchise quarterback to shoulder 124 carries, second-most on the team behind Devin Singletary, who is a free agent this offseason.

Cameron Weiss confirmed the request just minutes into the free-agent negotiating period that began 9 a.m. Monday. Ekeler has a base salary of $6.25 million in ...

That’s 12 more than second-place James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals. [Austin Ekeler](https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-12-26/austin-ekeler-chargers-star-colorado-football) is seeking permission from the [Chargers](https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers) to speak to other teams about potential trade options. [a four-year, $24.5-million extension](https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-03-06/chargers-sign-running-back-austin-ekeler-to-four-year-deal) he signed in March 2020.

Ekeler and the Chargers discussed a contract extension but talks didn't progress, ESPN reported, resulting in the 2017 undrafted free agent asking for another ...

He will make only $4,234,376 in 2023 before making five times that salary on the option. General manager Tom Telesco wasn't keen on the idea of parting with Ekeler. He scored 20 combined touchdowns in 2021 and has four consecutive seasons with 50-plus receptions.

The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn't look too bad with another good running back on the team. Austin Ekeler is someone that they should consider.

One, he is one of the best backs in the NFL so anyone would play his game to land him. He is a back that was one of the most productive in the entire National Football League in 2022. With how good the Jags expect to be, the door shouldn’t be closed on anyone. Trevor Lawrence is becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL which could help elevate any elite duo. He has the ability to change games with his legs and with his ability to catch the ball. He is good enough to be the number-one running back on this team right now.

With an NFL-leading 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons, conventional wisdom suggested versatile Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had plenty of ...

Tranquill was the Chargers’ leading tackler last season. Some early mock drafts have the Chargers drafting either a tight end or a wide receiver in order to provide Herbert with additional playmakers beside Allen and Williams. Additionally, the Chargers reportedly were set to re-sign unrestricted free agent Easton Stick to serve as a backup to Herbert. Extensions for Ekeler and Herbert would not impact this year’s free-agent budget since each is signed through at least the 2023 season. The Chargers spent nearly $80 million in free agency last year. In addition to Ekeler, quarterback Justin Herbert also is eligible for a contract extension.

As Austin Ekeler looks for a potential trade, these three teams would make the most sense for the explosive Chargers running back.

The Dolphins already have a pair of top flight WRs in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Even if the Dolphins were to bring any of those RBs back, Miami could still use a bit of an upgrade at the position. Miami is set to see all of their RBs hit free agency, making their Ekeler fit arguably the strongest. Entering the offense, running back is one of the most glaring holes on Miami’s roster. The Bills are a team with true Super Bowl aspirations and a team who knows their playoff window is right now. Ekeler is a strong runner in his own right. Miles Sanders was the Eagles’ top running back in 2022. Adding a star playmaker like Ekeler could help push Philly over the top. Ekeler is coming off of a season in which he rushed for a career-high 915 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cooks did a bit of damage through the air too, with 21 grabs for 210 yards and two scores. With Singletary now a free agent, the Bills could lose their starting runner. Buffalo could look to not only fill a hole but upgrade in Ekeler.

Ekeler, 27, signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020 and will enter the final year of that contract with only a $7.75 million cap hit.