Chargers News: Austin Ekeler Works Out Agreement to Stay in LA

The star RB will stay for at least one more year.

As every day following the initial free agency period passed by, it became more clear that the Los Angeles Chargers would likely have Austin Ekeler start off the season with them. Both sides had been honest about how their preference would be to remain working together and that it was solely a dollar sign disagreement that was stopping it.

I think the whole NFL world respected what Ekeler was trying to accomplish this offseason as he knew that his performances over the last two years should've landed him a bigger deal than the $6.25 million he's due this season. 900 yards rushed, 107 receptions, and 13 touchdowns is no easy task to go with playing a key role on a squad that made the postseason after a slight drought.

But LA seemed to already have their priorities straight and that included spreading out their money to round out the rest of the roster and save the bulk for Justin Herbert's upcoming extension. Ekeler ventured off to look for a potential team willing to trade for him but the situation was too complex and the Bolts never received serious offers.

72 YARDS TO THE 🏠 FOR AUSTIN EKELER pic.twitter.com/g78TUi7bcJ

— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2023

However, we received word from head coach Brandon Staley that he fully expects Ekeler to be present at OTA's starting in April. This was yet another sign that the 27-year-old would stay with the franchise.

And then early Tuesday morning, the news was officially shared by Adam Schefter. Ekeler was able to work out an agreement with the Chargers' front office to at least play this coming season.

After an off-season in which he requested to be traded, star RB Austin Ekeler is staying in LA and having close to $2 million in incentives added to his deal for this season, per source.

Win-win: Chargers keep their RB and Ekeler will be a free agent after this season at age 28. pic.twitter.com/UYF2h9rSWq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 23, 2023

"After an off-season in which he requested to be traded, star RB Austin Ekeler is staying in LA and having close to $2 million in incentives added to his deal for this season, per source. Win-win: Chargers keep their RB and Ekeler will be a free agent after this season at age 28."

(Via Adam Schefter)

Ekeler already had plenty of motivation to have a great season so he could land the big contract he wants but now LA has ensured that he will have yet another reason.