The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the biggest winners of the NFL offseason.
They hired Jim Harbaugh to become their next head coach, and he also brought along one of the best defensive coordinators — if not the best defensive coordinator — in the college football scene.
Nonetheless, they also have plenty of things to think about in the offseason.
It could all start with Austin Ekeler and his situation, as the star running back is set to become a free agent.
With that in mind, coach Harbaugh made it loud and clear that he has every intention to keep Ekeler there for the long run, calling him a “tremendous back” (via ProFootballTalk).
“If things go well, it’s going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler and the players,” Harbaugh said. “I like Austin Ekeler. We’re going to have a huge emphasis on the run game, and we gotta block better up front. He’s a tremendous back and we’d love to have him on the team next year.”
Jim Harbaugh: Austin Ekeler a “tremendous back,” we’d love to keep him on Chargers. https://t.co/BxwGuC9P3Y
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 10, 2024
Despite not getting the same media and fan praise as other backs, Ekeelr has been the brightest and most consistent spot on the Chargers’ offense for quite a while now.
Of course, the market for aging running backs has been brutal over the past couple of years, and Ekeler might not be able to shake those woes off.
Also, the Chargers aren’t exactly loaded with cap space, so it’s going to be tricky to see how they manage to keep their star on board for the long run.
The Chargers are expected to be one of the most improved teams in the league next season.
Harbaugh is a proven winner, and even if they still have to meet the Kansas City Chiefs twice a year, it wouldn’t be shocking to see this team challenge them for the AFC West as soon as 2024.
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49ers Legend Reportedly Set To Join Jim Harbaugh’s Staff
