Los Angeles Chargers superstar running back Austin Ekeler is seeking a trade, and the Atlanta Falcons look like an ideal landing spot for the touchdown machine.
In a recent interview with Chris Long, Ekeler expressed frustrations with his current contract salary.
“I’m so underpaid right now as far as my contract and what I contribute to the team,” Ekeler said. “I am relentlessly pursuing this. I want to get something long-term done. I want a team that wants me long-term… I’m getting half my value of what I could be getting.”
Ekeler’s base salary this upcoming season is $6.25 million, which ties James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals as the 10th highest-paid RB entering next season.
Despite having 38 touchdowns and 3195 yards from scrimmage over the past two seasons, Ekeler finds himself in a difficult situation.
The league has seemingly devalued the running back position. Game changers in their primes, such as Saquan Barkley and Josh Jacobs, received tags this offseason, while vets such as Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook have reportedly been shopped in trades by their respective organizations.
Even worse, the Dallas Cowboys cut Ezekiel Elliot as they elected to get younger at the position, and Joe Mixon may also find himself as a cap casualty. Christian McCaffrey the highest-paid player at the position ($11.8 million base), was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Fransisco 49ers mid-season last year.
However, the Falcons, much like the 49ers, placed emphasis on their run game last season. Atlanta’s backfield was No. 3 in total rushing yards with 2718 and No. 1 in rushing attempts with 559.
With Cordarrelle Patterson being 32 years old and sophomore rusher Tyler Allgeier only having fifth-round draft capital, the Falcons may consider adding Ekeler’s versatile skill set into their RB room.
With over $23 million worth of cap space remaining, Atlanta has the fourth most money available to make a splash signing and is undoubtedly a team to monitor as Ekeler continues to seek a team that values his elite production.
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