Chargers News: Expert Predicts Austin Ekeler Will Join Conference Rival

He believes Ekeler's talents would best fit in Cincinnati.

Even though Austin Ekeler has made it clear that he believes he is only getting paid half of what he truly deserves by the Los Angeles Chargers and has spoken to other teams in search of a trade, it's been reported that no front office has a made a solid offer for him.

There could be a few reasons for this in that they do not believe the 27-year-old is worth a bigger contract just like the Chargers, they could be finding the room for him with free agency already being a week in, and most teams already have their running back position set in stone.

However, Sam Manson of Pro Football Focus compiled some of his best landing spots for Ekeler and believes that the most beneficial one for both sides would be the Cincinnati Bengals.

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

— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2023

"Ekeler may find the market for his services a weak one even if he is an underpaid asset on the Chargers. Potential landing spots have been signing running backs over the last several days, leaving obvious destinations thin on the ground. Any team that does make the move will be getting one of the most dynamic pass-catching backs in the league who can carry his weight rushing as well. Ekeler has recorded over 100 targets twice in his career and more than 50 for the last five seasons. He has gained 1.9 yards per route run over his entire career and is an excellent all-around back for today’s NFL."

Best Fit: Cincinnati Bengals

(Per Sam Manson) 

This Ekeler situation has not been ideal at all for LA. They are coming off of a season where they made great strides and even though many of their key players were battling injuries, they got over the jump from the previous season and got into the playoffs. Even though the Bolts got utterly embarrassed in that wild card matchup, it seemed pretty much guaranteed that the main squad would run it back next to year to avenge their loss.

Unfortunately, money has come in the way of this for now and we very well could see Ekeler in a different uniform when the 2023 season rolls around. The Bengals serve as an intriguing option to make a deal for Ekeler as they have some issues of their own at running back.

Cincinnati is paying a cap hit of $12 million due to Joe Mixon and he is coming off of a season that saw him drop to nearly the worst in the league in yards per run and elusive rating. They will definitely have to work something out with him to make room for Ekeler but considering the few free agents left to choose fro, they may not have another choice.