Commander Country

NFL Free Agency: Chargers' Austin Ekeler Signs with Commanders

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Washington Commanders.

Jeremy Brener

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The Washington Commanders have a new running back in town.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Commanders are signing Los Angeles Chargers veteran Austin Ekeler.

The move comes after the team lost Antonio Gibson to the New England Patriots in free agency, but they may be on the verge of replacing him.

According to CBS Sports insider Josina Anderson, the Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders had made "preliminary inquiries" for Ekeler.

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NFL Analysis Network

Ekeler, who turns 29 in May, has spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Chargers. Last year, Ekeler was in a contract dispute with the Chargers, and he ultimately failed to reach an extension with the team.

This led to a down year from Ekeler, but still strong in terms of the rest of the NFL. He recorded 1,068 scrimmage yards, a far cry from the career-best 1,637 yards he recorded in the 2022 season.

Ekeler's best days are likely behind him, but he could be one of the best backup running backs in the league should he come to Washington. He would likely fall in behind Brian Robinson Jr. on the depth chart while second-year pro Chris Rodriguez Jr. would challenge him for reps.

Antonio Gibson Leaves Commanders, Signs with Pats

Ekeler is also one of the league's top pass-catching backs, which was Gibson's strength for the past four seasons. That's why Ekeler is a strong fit for the offense and could make sense in Washington.

The NFL's legal tampering period is underway, but no contracts can be made official until the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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