Dynamic Running Back Austin Ekeler Signs with the Commanders
Following back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022 of 10 or more rushing touchdowns, running back Austin Ekeler and the Los Angeles Chargers had a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Despite blowing a 27-point lead in the Wild-Card Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022-23 playoffs, the Chargers and Ekeler were expected to be a legitimate contender in the AFC last season. However, this expectation didn’t come to fruition, as they finished last in the AFC West division, with a 5-12 record. Even after having a down year last season in rushing yards (628) and rushing touchdowns (five), Ekeler entered the off-season as one of the most coveted free agent running backs and he has finally reached his decision, as he signed with the Washington Commanders for two-years almost 11 and a half million dollars.
Ekeler, who was signed by the Chargers in 2017 as an undrafted free agent, has become known for his capabilities in both running efficiently and catching the football as well. Over Ekeler’s 7-year tenure with the Chargers, the dynamic running back has totaled 4,355 rushing yards for 39 touchdowns on 990 attempts. In the passing game, Ekeler has had major success, as he has racked up 3,884 receiving yards for 30 touchdowns on 440 receptions. To begin the 2019-20 season, Ekeler became the official running back starter, as former Charger Melvin Gordon was holding out due to contract disputes. Since then, Ekeler has made certain to take advantage of his opportunities and has not looked back.
In 14 games played last season, Ekeler had his worst season since his four-year contract extension before the 2020-21 season. Ekeler managed to rush for 628 yards for five touchdowns on 179 carries while averaging 3.5 yards per carry. In the passing game, Ekeler was limited to 436 receiving yards for one touchdown on 51 receptions. Ekeler was held back earlier on in the season, as he missed four straight games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1 vs. the Dolphins. Despite his limited productivity last season, Ekeler remains a top-10 running back heading into the 2024-25 season, and the Commanders will be getting a pass-catching running back that will add a noticeable boost to the running attack.
