Chargers Expected To Allow Star Offensive Weapon To Test Free Agency

This could be the end for the star running back in powder blue.

Your Los Angeles Chargers are expected to allow their star running back, Austin Ekeler, to test the free agent market.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team will not tender the franchise tag to the seven-year vet.

Ekeler joins other elite running backs like Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Derrick Henry, who will test the market. 

This comes after the Chargers decided not to franchise tag their seven-year running back. The franchise tag would have allowed the Chargers to retain a player without hitting free agency and provide more time to work out a contract extension. It was evident a contract extension with the Bolts was a far cry, and that was especially true after his mediocre season. 

Ekeler was nowhere near his past productive level in 2023, and it all changed after his ankle injury in Week 1. He proceeded to miss three games. When he returned, he looked like a shell of himself. 

His time with the Chargers was one to remember, and unfortunately, 2023 may have been the last we will see of Ekeler in powder blue. 

A reunion to L.A. is not off the table, but the chances of that happening seem slim. The 28-year-old will test free agency for the first time in his career.