NFL Insider Confirms Austin Ekeler Prefers To Stay With Chargers, Deal Could Take Months

Ekeler's loyalty playing a role in deal not getting done.

An NFL franchise will always have to face one of their star players not being happy with their role, teammates, or contract at one point or another. Your Los Angeles Chargers' time has come and it's been projected for a while now that Austin Ekeler was going to look to cash in on his performances these past few seasons with the Bolts.

With the running back position being one of the most important within teams, one of Ekeler's main frustrations during this free agency period is the lack of respect he and other RB's are getting. When he first requested a trade and even now as he has yet to see an extension he likes, he is making a statement to the rest of the league. Other players may be accepting low offers but he will hold out as long as he needs.

Of course the 27-year-old has been a talking point of all sports outlets this past week and it was no different for 'Good Morning Football' on Wednesday. Host Tom Pelissero revealed that his sources have told him that Ekeler's negations could go on for months but that he his end goal is to remain with the Chargers.

(1/2) @TomPelissero on GMFB this morning:
“My understanding is Austin Ekeler’s goal is and has been to finish his career with the Chargers. He also wants to make sure he that he is making market value in the remaining prime earning years in his career…

— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) March 22, 2023

"Mu understanding is that Austin Ekeler's goal is and has been to finish his career with the Chargers," said Pelissero. "He also wants to make sure that he is making market value in the remaining prime earning years in his career. There is interest from other teams, there are no hard offers on the table yet. This could take weeks or even months to get resolved."

One of the most telling points from Pelissero's to me is that Ekeler has not received any hard offers from opposing franchises just yet. This is a guy who is coming off of two straight seasons with over 900 yards and only three fumbles.

More and more, I'm starting to believe that he will have to accept less money from the Chargers. If they value his play and he prioritizes staying in LA, they should be able to find a middle ground.