Chargers Fans Debate If LA Should Trade Austin Ekeler For Draft Compensation

As the 2023 draft gets closer day by bay, fans are starting to see the numerous prospects and get very excited. There is a slew of players every year that look physically and mentally ready to contribute to teams already and turn out to be cornerstones for a franchise.

This year is no different and with the Chargers potentially looking to trade down in the draft to acquire even more picks, there have already been rumors that the front office could look to part ways with one of their most prized possessions.

Austin Ekeler is still not committed to LA just yet as he continues to see if there is a team out there that will pay him the extension that he seeks. One team floating out there has been the Chicago Bears and they have draft compensation to offer the Chargers.

"Based on other deals in recent NFL history, don’t expect Ekeler to get moved for a haul as if he was just breaking into the league. He isn’t old by any means but running backs do get run down quicker than any position in the sport. Getting a second-round pick and a seventh would be a good haul for the Chargers based on these factors. The second in this mock trade belonged to the Baltimore Ravens first before they gave it to the Bears in the Roquan Smith trade."

(Via DaWindyCity)

It is certainly something to consider and if the Bolts do opt to select a running back immediately in the first round, they could use some extra picks to fill out the rest of their roster. Another safety is needed and that could be targeted in later rounds.

A Twitter user poised the idea that the Chargers could make a deal like this if they select highly-coveted Bijan Robinson to take over RB for Ekeler and fans reacted with their own opinions. Some were all for it.

I'd say yes, trade ek for a 4th rounder at worst. Problem is nobody gonna be paying ek the kind of money he wants. 27 year old RB and he wants derek henry money
— Nickryan13 (@NickmontiBOLTS) March 28, 2023

trade Ek if a team is willing to bite during the draft. use those picks to add some depth
— Herb & Harb (@HerbAndHarb) March 28, 2023

Draft Bijon Trade Ek and a pick to maybe move up to draft WR in the first. If chargers can’t agree with him just trade him and get something out of it. All extension focus will toward Herbert anyways. Ekeler saw how the market is paying so he should take what’s offered lol
— King_Explosion_Murder (@SlickSantin88) March 28, 2023

Others, however, were not too sold.

Keep ekeler, I think he offers a lot of wisdom to be shared onto another Uber talented back. Could be a huge learning opportunity in the pass game and red zone for bijan as ek is the best in those aspects.
— Nick (@ElectroSports13) March 28, 2023

I think Bijan is overhyped. I would take a RB, if we need to, in the 2nd or 3rd round
— Zachary Shelton (@MovieFanZ1720) March 28, 2023

Keep him for his last year then earn the comp picks from him signing elsewhere the next offseason
— Darrin Alix (@dalix32) March 28, 2023