Chargers News: RB Market Not Looking Pretty For Austin Ekeler

Ekeler may just wind back up in LA.

Austin Ekeler's failed contract extension talks with the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the biggest headlines that hit the internet at the start of free agency. It's clear that the young running back is looking to profit off of his improved play since coming into the league wanted a bigger deal with LA past 2024.

However, the Bolts are figuring things out money-wise themselves. Every move they' made and haven't made so far this past week has been carefully calculated as they want to stay within the cap. 

Ekeler has been phenomenal in the previous two seasons with the Chargers and if he were to compromise, he'd continue being their primary runner. However, he has opted to explore other teams that'd be willing to trade for him and give him his desired payroll.

I want to live in a reality where Austin Ekeler plays for the Dolphins

38 total Touchdowns the last 2 years, dude is a machine 🔥 #FinsUp
pic.twitter.com/FACMcI35qv https://t.co/H3ISRUujHY

— El Pibe (@FurboTotal) March 14, 2023

The money that the 27-year-old is seeking just may not be out there for him this offseason though. We've seen multiple, talented RB's similar to Ekeler agree to deals that have been close to the $6 million that he'll currently make next year. Some have even been signed to deals less than that.

#Eagles Rashaad Penny one year, $1.35M, $600K gtd, $100K signing bonus, salary $1.08M ($600K fully gtd), $10K per game active roser bonus, up to $750K rushing yards incentive

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 19, 2023

The Miles Sanders deal with the #Panthers is for $25 million over four years, per sources.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 16, 2023

It's a 3-year deal for $12M with $8M guaranteed fully, source said. https://t.co/15erHdcsEK

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023

Miles Sanders, Jamaal Williams, and Rashaad Penny are all examples of RB's we've seen not cash in on big contracts like we thought they would. They have unintentionally set the market as what Ekeler has been offered due to the fact that front offices now can't help but compare what they would pay him versus other players at his position around the league.

At this rate, Ekeler may just very well end up in powder blue again next year on a smaller deal than he had hoped or extension talks will just be paused for the meantime. The initial period of welcoming him back may be awkward at first but he knows the business and is aware that if he continues to perform well, he will get paid by someone eventually.