Trade Rumors Continue to Swirl Around Chargers' Star Running Back
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a momentous 2023 season, possibly unlike any other they've faced. A lot of eyes will be on them, literally, as they have six national primetime games. The time is now for LA to step up in order for them to go from laughing stocks to serious threats in the NFL.
Luckily, their star running back, Austin Ekeler, will be on the team for possibly his final season Bolt. Ekeler requested a trade this past offseason, but the Chargers didn't budge, and he will play out the final year of his contract in LA.
However, what about if that's not the case, and they give Ekeler what he asked for back in March? Enzo Flojo from Clutch Points listed three potential trade candidates entering training camp for the Bolts, and Ekeler made the list.
He believes that even though the team and Ekeler resolved their issues for the time being, there's still a possibility he could be traded.
Earlier in the offseason, however, Ekeler requested a trade due to a contract dispute. However, the Chargers were able to keep him by adding some incentives to his contract.
Despite resolving the contract situation, there is still a chance that Ekeler could be traded. Keep in mind that the Chargers have depth at the running back position, with Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, and Larry Rountree III on the roster. If the team feels confident in the abilities of these other running backs, they may be willing to part ways with Ekeler. This decision would likely depend on the offers they receive and their evaluation of the depth at the position.
Just when you thought it was over, right? Now, this is no guarantee that it will happen, but you certainly cannot rule it out.
It depends on what kind of offer they could receive, how the first half of the season plays out, or if they feel like they could lose Ekeler for nothing come next year's free agency.
All these will play a big factor in 2023, and we'll keep a close eye on this.
Losing Ekeler would be a disaster, but if the other running backs on the roster can perform up to par, it may be easy to transition to the youngsters.
If the Chargers are on point and competing with the Chiefs for the division, there's no way this will happen. Nonetheless, there may be friction between the front office and Ekeler that we don't know about.
By all indications, the 28-year-old star will be out there and suiting up for the Bolts come September.
