Chargers News: Insider Fears Austin Ekeler’s Contract Desires Are Excessively High
We're a month and a half into the Austin Ekeler trade request, and we are still waiting for something to happen. For the most part, things have been silent on both sides, and we're all wondering when or will something happen.
Ekeler wants new money, and you can't blame him. He signed a four-year deal, a $24.5 million contract, in March 2020 but has outperformed that contract. No one is doubting his value, but who can actually afford him? Teams want him but can't afford him, at least according to ESPN NFL writer Jeremy Fowler.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, there have been teams interested in acquiring the 27-year-old, but his desire for a new contract "could be prohibitive" to making a deal happen.
Running backs are becoming expendable, and this holdout could fall on his face. The 27-year-old is excellent; however, the Chargers and other NFL teams can find another Ekeler-type who is younger and possibly more promising than him.
The Chargers have struggled to find another RB, but they're hoping to land one in this year's draft.
Nonetheless, he could very well play out the final year of his contract this season and test out free agency next off-season. Things are looking bleak for the former undrafted running back, and if history serves well, the Chargers won't budge in giving him what he wants.
Something could happen as early as tomorrow with the NFL Draft, but as for now, he should play the season out and test your luck next season, number 30.
