Chargers News: Austin Ekeler Thrilled to Rejoin Team, Excited About Upcoming Season

The running back is back in the fold for training camp.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers this season has been the contract status of Bolts' running back, Austin Ekeler.

The running back is entering the final year of his four-year $24.5 million deal, and the two sides were unable to work out a long-term extension for the 28-year-old -- although the team did add some incentives to his deal.

The failure to come to a long-term contract led to Ekeler voicing his frustrations with the current market value of running backs, leading a chorus of current ball carriers that did the same this offseason.

It seems that for now, though, the six-year veteran is letting bygones be bygones as he joined his teammates at training camp in Costa Mesa.

And not only was Ekeler happy to be back with the only team he's known in his NFL career -- he also made his intentions of wanting to remain in Los Angeles for the long haul known.

#Chargers Austin Ekeler expressed excitement around the team and the energy inside the building, and being a part of the team. When discussing his existing 4 year contract, Ekeler explicitly said "I want to be here longer."

— Dan W. (@DanWSports) July 27, 2023

Time will tell if the back will put pen to paper on a new contract -- he expressed openness to negotiating with the team during the season if it was needed earlier this summer. Still, it seems like an encouraging sign that the longtime Bolt was evident in his desire to remain with the franchise.

Despite that statement from Ekeler, things could change if negotiations sour through camp and into the fall, but the Bolts certainly hope that doesn't happen.

Ekeler has been very productive for Los Angeles over his career, and he put up a career-high 915 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

He's also a capable receiving option, and he should be a great weapon for newly-extended quarterback Justin Herbert as the Bolts' offense gets prepared to enter their first season under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.