The Washington Commanders unearthed what looks to be a gem at running back in Brian Robinson Jr. last season. After missing the first four games due to a carjacking incident, Robinson showed the NFL what he was all about.
But...
Could he have some company in the running back room in the form of Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler?
Per Pro Football Focus, the Commanders were named as a potential landing spot for the running back.
"Ekeler may find the market for his services a weak one even if he is an underpaid asset on the Chargers," PFF writes. "Potential landing spots have been signing running backs over the last several days, leaving obvious destinations thin on the ground. Any team that does make the move will be getting one of the most dynamic pass-catching backs in the league who can carry his weight rushing as well. Ekeler has recorded over 100 targets twice in his career and more than 50 for the last five seasons. He has gained 1.9 yards per route run over his entire career and is an excellent all-around back for today’s NFL."
With the Commanders reportedly having just under $3 million in cap space, a move for Ekeler looks tough. While several contract restructures could see Washington's cap number go up, it would take significant heavy lifting to get to a point where getting Ekeler is viable, not to mention the draft capital needed to get Ekeler out of L.A.
Pairing Robinson Jr. with Ekeler would excite Commanders fans and give Sam Howell (if he wins the starting job) another weapon to help ease him into life as an NFL quarterback.
It is just a thought, but Ekeler to the Commanders would be a superb piece of business, but too much would need to go right for a deal to get done.
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