Austin Ekeler, Chargers find compromise on contract stalemate

Austin Ekeler won't have his trade request honored but he could make extra money this season thanks to a re-worked deal with the Chargers.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ekeler adjusted contract includes up to $1.75 million in incentives. Earlier this offseason, he requested a trade after being unable to come to terms on a new deal with Los Angeles.

The amended contract won't change his status as a pending 2024 free agent but does mean if he hits certain benchmarks, he will be rewarded for it.

Details on what thresholds Ekeler needs to cross to earn the extra money aren't known but considering his past production and his importance to the Chargers' offense, chances are he's on the inside track to reaching those goals.

Ekeler had career-highs in rush yards (915), rushing touchdowns (13) and receptions (107) in 2022. He's led the league in scrimmage touchdowns the past two seasons, recording 20 touchdowns in 2021 and 18 last season.

Since joining the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, he has 7,175 scrimmage yards and 63 total touchdowns, an average of 1,195.8 yards and 10.5 touchdowns per season.

Ekeler is woefully underpaid for the production he's given L.A., but the two sides are in a difficult position. For the Chargers, Ekeler is crucial to their offensive identity but they already have big money tied up in J.C. Jackson, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, plus a looming extension for Justin Herbert.

Ekeler, 28, is approaching the dreaded running back cliff. Players at that position have a notoriously short shelf life and while he hasn't slowed down yet, he's approaching the age players tend to begin showing signs of decline.

His future with the franchise beyond this season is uncertain but Schefter reported Ekeler "has no ill will toward the Chargers and would like to remain with the organization." He will for at least one more season. But after that is anyone's guess. 

If Ekeler has a strong season and collects on his $1.75 million in incentives, he'll likely expect a sizable contract as a free agent, something the Chargers have been reluctant to provide. And if he underperforms, that would give Los Angeles the perfect opportunity to move on from him after the season.

But the reworked contract for the 2023 season is a win for both parties. The Chargers were able to keep a huge piece of their offense and Ekeler gets to reap a financial reward should he continues his stellar play.