Commanders Have Explosive One-Two RB Punch With Austin Ekeler Signing

The Washington Commanders added Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler to pair with Brian Robinson Jr. in the offensive backfield.

The Washington Commanders, on the first day of the NFL's "legal tampering period" grabbed their shopping cart and set about picking up what free agents they could.

Washington would return with a nice haul that included Dallas Cowboys duo Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz along with Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler will be signed to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43M in what is a bargain for the Commanders front office.

With the Commanders looking to build something special offensively with Kliff Kingsbury, the franchise grabbed a super weapon in Ekeler to pair with Brian Robinson Jr. in the backfield.

While likely not RB1 as Robinson will still hold that title, but the Commanders now have a serious change up at the running back position.

Ekekler presents a serious weapon for whoever the quarterback will be under center in 2024 as he is just as good on the ground as he is in the pass game.

While he had a down year under Kellen Moore in 2023, in the years prior, Ekeler was a monster on the Chargers' offense. He would regularly total 900+ rushing yards (2021 & 2022) while also having over 600 receiving yards in both seasons as well.

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In his last five seasons, Ekeler has had at least 50 receptions and over 100 rushing attempts for the Chargers. Now in Washington, Akeler is a change-up from the physical, bruising runner that Robinson is. 

While Robinson established himself as the Commanders' No. 1 back last year as he totaled 733 yards and five touchdowns on 178 attempts, after his production, it fell away. Antonio Gibson (265 yards, one TD) was the next best.

So adding Ekekler who can be an explosive No. 2, the Commanders under Kingsbury have added a valuable weapon and if a quarterback is taken with the second overall pick, then having a strong rushing attack led by Robinson and Ekeler will only mean good things.

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The Commanders had significant cap space to attack free agency with and they addressed three needs on Day 1. 

While adding a player like Ekeler wasn't on many people's bingo cards, the Commanders just got themselves a serious weapon, and on the cheap too.

This new era has begun with a splash.