Chargers News: Austin Ekeler Outlook After Jonathan Taylor's Contract Extension

A win for running backs leaguewide.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler entered the 2023 offseason unhappy with his contract as part of a league-wide issue concerning the running back position. 

Yet, recent news about Colts running back Jonathan Taylor's extension from his extensive holdout could change things for the position going forward. 

Taylor requested a trade, but Indianapolis couldn't find a suitable package for their 24-year-old star's production. 

The Colts then put Taylor on the PUP list to begin 2023, spanning from an ankle injury that hindered his 2022 production. 

A frustrating saga came to a close through the surprise deal on Saturday morning, and the former Badger will now headline a backfield with Indianapolis' franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson. 

A $14 million per year rate for his services now makes Taylor the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL. 

Numerous teams reached one-year agreements with Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley in the preseason, but Taylor's successful holdout truly feels like a win for backs across the market. 

Ekeler remains a key figure by voicing concerns for the current running back market all offseason long, even requesting his aforementioned trade. 

Injuries to Nick Chubb, JK Dobbins, and Ekeler himself have only continued this argument into the first month of the regular season. 

Those opposed to paying running backs will point to durability concerns on some of the more elite names at the position. 

Those in favor of paying their star skill positions will point toward the humans behind the helmets needing financial security due to their short shelf life in the league. 

The debate rages on throughout the NFL, but the Colts indicated faith in their budding superstar, which could spark an otherwise dead market in 2024. 

Ekeler and plenty of other backs are set to hit free agency next March, and Taylor's example could prove fruitful for their efforts to get paid their due. 

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