Ranking Austin Ekeler’s Five Best Landing Spots if Chargers Trade Him

Here are the teams that should be calling Los Angeles to ask about the star running back.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler doesn’t need anyone to remind him he plays a devalued position.

Ekeler benefited from the Chargers’ refusing to meet Melvin Gordon’s contract demands, which led to Gordon holding out for 64 days and missing the first three games of the 2019 season.

The Chargers forgot about Gordon after Ekeler delivered 154 total yards and three total touchdowns during the season-opener against the Colts. Ekeler did more of the same throughout that breakout season and turned Gordon’s negotiating mistakes into a four-year, $24.5 million contract extension, while Gordon failed to find his form on the field and left the Chargers empty-handed.

Ekeler knew the risks before his agent asked permission to explore trades, which the Chargers granted Tuesday, Sports Illustrated confirmed. But Ekeler is a savvy opportunist, which is why he didn’t hesitate to accept a contract that paid him about $6 million per year, a bargain for the Chargers the past three years given how productive Ekeler has been as a rusher and receiver, and how helpful he was, first for Philip Rivers and then for the development of Justin Herbert.

It was a nice pay raise at the time for a player who went undrafted in 2017. This reporter heard several times as a former Chargers beat writer the fable of Ekeler, the small but strong running back who earned a roster spot because of a memorable preseason finale performance as a rookie.

But Ekeler is no longer a special teamer nor a spot starter. He’s the ultimate on-the-field best friend for a quarterback, and that could lead to interest in him on the trading block.

And who knows what Ekeler is looking for in a contract, but again, he knows the position is devalued and might just be looking for guaranteed money for the short term. Ekeler doesn’t have guaranteed money on the final year of the extension he signed in 2020.

If Ekeler isn’t seeking top-tier money, trading him would be less complicated for the Chargers if they see no resolution to Ekeler’s contract dispute.

If the Chargers are serious about trading Ekeler, several teams should be lining up for him.

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Here are five trade destinations for Ekeler and why they make sense:

Note: There are only two trade proposals below, because the three other teams can probably get away with trading a Day 3 draft pick for Ekeler. It will likely be tough for the Chargers to get a higher draft pick for a running back seeking a new contract and entering his age-28 season, which might lead to both sides finding a resolution.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Darren Waller went for third-round picks this week. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is 32 but had another productive season, and the Colts got only a fifth-round pick for him from Dallas. 

5

Dallas Cowboys

Trade proposal: Ekeler and a sixth-round pick for RB Tony Pollard

Why it makes sense: This one might be a little complicated with Pollard on the franchise tag, but coaches want to coach familiar players, and new Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore had plenty of success with Pollard in Dallas. Like Ekeler, Pollard would help Herbert as a two-way playmaker, and Pollard might offer more in the running game. As for the Cowboys, Ekeler might be a cheaper option than Pollard and would provide another standout target for Dak Prescott.

The downside here is the Chargers would have to agree to a long-term deal with Pollard for a trade scenario to even be an option, and, as we know, the the team isn’t quick to pay running backs, and Herbert is due for a massive contract extension. But the Chargers have been aggressive the past few years, and this might be their year to go all in before the salary cap becomes a real issue. Losing Ekeler would be a blow, but this is one way to get better without him.

4

Washington Commanders

Trade proposal: Ekeler for RB Antonio Gibson

Why it makes sense: Ekeler would join an offense that features wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, with Eric Bieniemy calling the offensive plays in Washington. Ekeler could also complement running back Brian Robinson Jr., and the Commanders recently released change-of-pace back J.D. McKissic. Gibson might not be Ekeler, but he can catch out of the backfield and might be motivated heading into the final year of his rookie contract.

3

Chicago Bears

Why it makes sense: If Ekeler wants money north of $8 million per year, the Bears could be the team to give it to him, and they’re in need of a running back after David Montgomery joined the Lions in free agency. Chicago has the cap space, even after paying linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Ekeler would become Justin Fields’s new best friend, along with newcomer receiver DJ Moore. Also, Chargers GM Tom Telesco and Bears GM Ryan Poles have done business before with last year’s trade involving Khalil Mack.

It would upset the analytics community if the Bears pay a running back and two off-ball linebackers in the same offseason. The instant overreactions would be fun to read, though.

2

Carolina Panthers

Why it makes sense: The Panthers already had a versatile running back and traded him to the 49ers for a handful of draft picks. But who’s the closest comparison to Christian McCaffrey? It might be Ekeler, with his vast skill set and 38 total touchdowns the past two seasons. The Panthers could offer Ekeler a multiyear contract, and it would probably still be cheaper than keeping McCaffrey would have been. In this scenario, Carolina would gain Ekeler for a mid-round draft pick, having already sent its second-round pick from San Francisco to the Bears for the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft. This would make the McCaffrey trade better for the Panthers if Ekeler’s around to help the incoming rookie quarterback. 

1

Indianapolis Colts

Why it makes sense: Yes, Jonathan Taylor plays for the Colts, but don’t overlook Ekeler’s wanting to play in a backfield committee. It might be No. 2 on his wish list, besides the guaranteed money. He has spent the past few seasons pleading for another Chargers running back to step up, which has been an issue since Gordon’s departure—a little irony.

But Ekeler knows his 5'10", 200-pound frame can’t withstand more years of being the lead back. He needs fewer touches, which might sound strange, but he’s probably the most efficient playmaker in the NFL. Also, Colts coach Shane Steichen saw firsthand the rise of Ekeler as a former Chargers offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. And sticking with the theme, Ekeler would help a rookie quarterback—or maybe Lamar Jackson? (Why not, Indy? But one trade at a time.)

The fantasy football community won’t like this scenario of Taylor and Ekeler in the same backfield, but Ekeler would probably embrace it. Paying two running backs is not ideal, but the Colts haven’t committed to Taylor for a second contract. Maybe the Colts would send Dallas’s fifth-round pick from the Gilmore trade to the Chargers, but it might cost them more as they reside in the AFC.