The Los Angeles Chargers may lose running back Austin Ekeler, as the star running may be seeking a trade according to reports.
Ekeler, 27, is entering his final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract and is scheduled to earn $6.25 million. He requested permission from the team on Monday to speak with other teams, according to ESPN. The team then proceeded to grant that request.
If he leaves, that would be a major blow to this team because he had played a huge role in his team’s success.
Ekeler led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also rushed for 915 yards on 204 carries and caught 107 passes for 722 yards.
Ekeler was an undrafted free agent in 2017 from Western State Colorado and earned a starting role with the team in 2019. In his time with the Chargers, EKeler has recorded over 3,000 yards receiving and rushing so far in his career.
Only Hall of Famer Lenny Moore and Ekeler are the only players in NFL history to rush for 25 touchdowns and have 25 receiving touchdowns in their first six seasons in the NFL.
The Chargers may not have a choice but to let Ekeler go because they may not able to afford him. They will soon have to extend the contract of quarterback Justin Herbert, which might be why they have allowed Ekeler to seek employment elsewhere.
{ESPN}
