The Washington Commanders were big players in free agency, as the franchise was armed with significant salary cap resources to reshape the roster.
One such move was securing the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler, on a two-year, $8.43 million deal.
With Ekeler now in a running back room that also includes Brian Robinson Jr., the former Charger revealed that the chance to create a good tandem in the backfield led him to the nation's capital.
“They were definitely the most interested," Ekeler said. "I think that comes down to kind of the situation in the running back room, like they have B-Rob [Robinson] over here but hey if we could bring in another back to kind of be that tandem and continue to add some leadership to the team. That's why I thought it was another good fit for myself too, to come into a new team with new coaches and kind of a younger running back room.”
With Robinson and now Ekeler, the Commanders boast a good duo to use out of the backfield, not to mention what the pair could do for a new, young quarterback if one is taking with the No. 2 overall pick.
Robinson could be seen as the physical bruiser who picks up the tough, hard yards, while Ekeler is a superb change-up. Armed with lightning-quick feet and also the ability to be a reliable option in the passing game, the Commanders suddenly have several ways they can use their backs to keep defenses guessing.
While last season was a down year for Ekeler, in the two previous seasons (2021 & 2022), he was at the top of his game. He totaled 1,826 rushing yards with 25 rushing touchdowns but also managed 1,369 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
That is the kind of production Kliff Kingsbury will want from Ekeler again, and with Robinson in the frame, too, Austin won't need to be the bell cow back he was at times in Los Angeles.
While the Commanders signed a handful of players in free agency, perhaps the most shrewd move was luring Ekeler, who has all the tools to re-invigorate this Washington offense to the nation's capital.
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