Chargers Change Austin Ekeler Contract; Kills Bills' Trade Rumor?

In Buffalo? Maybe James Cook and company in the backfield is enough. Or maybe, as it regards Ekeler, the Chargers reevaluate at the NFL trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Chargers have made their move on Austin Ekeler - a relatively small one though it may be - that most observers believe kills for now the idea of a trade or the running back to the Buffalo Bills or anywhere else.

The Chargers added about $2 million in what we will bet are "make'able incentives'' to Ekeler’s contract for the 2023 season, per multiple reports. ... with one suggestion being that the new arrangement "will allow them to keep the running back through the 2023 season.''

Ekeler of course requested a trade this offseason in part because he is now making $6.5 million. And the Chargers granted him permission to seek out a deal. But maybe in part due to what Los Angeles may have wanted in compensation - a first-round pick? - the concept never gained much traction ...

Except for speculation in places like Buffalo, where loading up on talent for a serious Super Bowl run is often discussed by observers.

At the same time, GM Brandon Beane has tried to downplay the likelihood of "another Von Miller-level'' acquisition as Buffalo works to keep the roster on a consistently high plateau while tryingt o also maintain cap balance for future years.

Ekeler has been a frequent 1,500-scrimmage yards guy, and there is L.A. wisdom in retaining him; with their young quarterback Justin Herbert, they may be on the verge of true contention as well. 

And in Buffalo? Maybe James Cook and company in the backfield is enough. Or maybe, as it regards Ekeler, who is in the final year of a four-year $24.5 million contract? If we get to the in-season trade deadline and the Chargers find themselves as non-contenders?

The running back chase for a guy like Ekeler might be back on.

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