The Los Angeles Chargers have many tough decisions to make over the course of the 2024 offseason. Retaining veteran players like Nick Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Austin Ekeler are all choices to be made by Jim Harbaugh and the front office.
Some comments recently made by new offensive coordinator Greg Roman may point to an offense without Ekeler next season.
Roman pointed out that a great running game alongside QB Justin Herbert would make a huge difference. If he felt that Ekeler would provide that, wouldn't they already possess a rushing attack that he is looking for going forward?
“So whatever that might be that particular week. We might have to throw it a lot this game to win. Might have to run it the next week. How that looks in the stat line and all that, I really don’t care. It’s really not part of what I’m trying to do. Stats and all that stuff happen and come through production and success. So if you have a balanced attack, you should have pretty good stats in both areas...
I can frame it this way: Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game? That’s kind of how I look at it.”
-- Roman via The Athletic
The notion from Roman is not meant to be disrespect towards Ekeler, but it does seem like they may go in a new direction. Ekeler has clearly lost a step over the past two seasons.
The Chargers could look for a younger, less pricy option than what Ekeler will m most likely cost for them to keep him around as an older RB.
More must-reads: