The Los Angeles Chargers are in a tough cap space position as of now. Accordingly, they were expected to lose some veterans. One fan favorite is now headed to a fresh start.
According to Tom Pelissero, Austin Ekeler plans to sign with the Washington Commanders.
Ekeler has spent the past seven years with the Chargers. He's been one of the top ten running backs in the NFL for much of that span. The veteran is consistently a top pass catcher out of the backfield and a locker room leader.
Fans have become accustomed to seeing him behind/beside Justin Herbert since he entered the league. Now, they will have to see a new workhorse RB in the backfield.
Ekeler totaled 4,355 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns during his tenure in LA.
His play did decline over the past two years, though. He fought through a plethora of injuries, but Ekeler clearly lost a step when it came to burst and athleticism. In the long run, this move is the best for the Chargers.
It will be intriguing to see how Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers front office attack the RB position. Don't be shocked to see them spent a day two pick on one of the top RBs in this year's draft class.
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