The Los Angeles Chargers could be nearing the loss of one of their best players, as running back Austin Ekeler has been given permission to seek a trade after he and the team couldn’t come to terms on a contract extension.
It would be a big blow to a team that had Super Bowl aspirations this past season and could perhaps trickle into that conversation next season if the roster remains intact.
Many are scratching their heads when it comes to why the Chargers have allowed Ekeler to look into being traded, and Chase Daniel, who spent the last two seasons as their backup quarterback, says he’s “flabbergasted” at the decision.
.@ChaseDaniel on the Chargers letting @AustinEkeler explore a trade:
“I’m flabbergasted” 👀 pic.twitter.com/sWXdr5IH57
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) March 15, 2023
While it’s true that running backs aren’t as valuable as they were 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago, a strong, productive one is still needed to make a serious run at a world championship.
That is exactly what Ekeler has been for Los Angeles over the last couple of seasons.
After starting out as a backup to Melvin Gordon in his first three years, Ekeler has been prolific over the last two seasons.
During that time, he has scored a total of 38 touchdowns while posting over 1,500 yards from scrimmage each season.
No other NFL player has scored as many touchdowns from scrimmage since 2021 as Ekeler has.
Daniel also pointed out how valuable Ekeler’s vocal leadership is in the locker room, and that is something that cannot be measured by numbers.
If the Chargers let him leave, it will likely be something they regret for quite some time.
