It has been evident for some time that Austin Ekeler‘s tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers would conclude following the 2023 season.
Ekeler himself essentially confirmed this after the season, and the Chargers’ new GM, Joe Hortiz, has shown a penchant for prioritizing compensatory picks, further solidifying Ekeler’s departure.
Despite coming off his least productive year, Ekeler is likely to attract interest from other teams in free agency. Meanwhile, the Chargers must explore alternative options within the running back market to fill the void. Ideally, they could revamp their running game with a cost-effective veteran addition and astute draft picks.
Let’s delve into two free agent running backs whom the Los Angeles Chargers should consider pursuing as potential replacements for Ekeler.
Zack Moss emerges as a prime candidate due to his strong ties to the Chargers’ coaching staff. Notably, Moss shares a significant connection with the team’s new running backs coach, Kiel McDonald, who previously coached him at Utah. McDonald’s familiarity with Moss’s playing style could facilitate a seamless transition to the Chargers’ system.
Despite not featuring for the Ravens, Moss showcased his capabilities as a complementary back alongside Jonathan Taylor during his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts. His ability to deliver impactful performances sporadically aligns with the Chargers’ need for versatility in their running back rotation.
Building upon McDonald’s familiarity, the Chargers could also consider drafting USC running back Marshawn Lloyd, further solidifying their running back room with players familiar to their new coach.
While a more ambitious option, Saquon Barkley presents an intriguing possibility for the Chargers’ offense under the direction of new offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The potential acquisition of Barkley would undoubtedly be a statement move, leveraging the Chargers’ newfound cap space following recent NFL developments.
However, Barkley’s recent performance metrics, including his rushing success rate and yards per carry, raise concerns despite his undeniable talent. The Chargers would need to weigh the risk of sacrificing a compensatory pick for Ekeler against the potential benefits of investing in Barkley, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding their offensive line’s effectiveness.
Ultimately, splurging on Barkley may not align with the Chargers’ long-term strategic objectives, potentially leaving them in a similar predicament to their current situation. Therefore, prudence should guide their decision-making process, prioritizing stability and effectiveness within their budgetary constraints.
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