Chargers Expert Believes Austin Ekeler Has Proven Worth As Number 1 Option

No blame here for Ekeler seeking more money.

The lack of news surrounding Austin Ekeler's future in Los Angeles is only leading to more and more people speculating what is to come off his contract negotiations. It seems like it's coming to whoever cracks first: Will the Chargers be willing to commit the extra years and money that he is asking for or is Ekeler going to put his pride aside and play out the rest of his current contract.

The Bengals and Commanders have emerged as some potential suitors to make a deal for the 28-year-old but it doesn't look like serious interest has been shown yet. Ekeler's talent is clear and he can carry a good chunk of a team's offense but if this offseason is showing us anything, it is that running backs are not viewed as a top priority right now.

NFL expert Tyler School hopped on the 'Guilty As Charged' podcast and echoed these thoughts about Ekeler's situation.

The Chargers allowed Austin Ekeler to see how the running back market would unfold amidst their contract dispute and it did not do him any favors. @tylerjschoon https://t.co/bpC7fgcpaJ pic.twitter.com/HAdX0BMQom

— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) March 24, 2023

"He knows he can be a number one option on some team in terms of feature," said School. "And he kind of was that for the Chargers last year when some of the guys got hurt. No one's going to pay him to do a whole lot more, it's really unfortunate that that's what the running back market is. It just takes one team, but unless one team really wants to get this done, I think he's back here with the Chargers."

(Via Guilty As Charged)

Ekeler has also came out and said that he feels he is only currently making about half the money that he is worth. That means he believes he should be getting about $12 million and that would make him the highest paid running back in the NFL.

I believe that RB's are super important to every squad but it is known that franchises tie up most of their money in their quarterbacks and receivers and the leftover's are split among everybody else. The Chargers certainly are not looking to propel Ekeler to the top of the charts as they are on a tight budget right now.