The Washington Commanders struggled greatly on offense this past season, finishing near the bottom of the league in the majority of important offensive categories. On Monday, they added a big-name player to the fold to hopefully add a spark to the team.
Free agent running back Austin Ekeler has been one of the best all-purpose players at this position for quite some time, playing a big role on some great offenses over the past seven years for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite this, the Chargers have been apprehensive over the past few seasons to reach a long-term extension for the 28-year-old running back.
This has led to Ekeler looking elsewhere in free agency. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Ekeler has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million with the Washington Commanders.
Veteran RB Austin Ekeler is signing with the #Commanders on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, per sources.
After seven seasons — and 69 TDs! — with the #Chargers, Ekeler has a new home on a deal negotiated by agents Justin Ross and Greg Brookey of @DynamicSportGrp. pic.twitter.com/3oh6wOvEpZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
It’s a move that makes sense for the Commanders on paper, as the team lost Antonio Gibson in free agency on Monday to the New England Patriots, who is a great pass catcher out of the backfield in his own right.
Patriots signing RB Antonio Gibson. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/eluDoWSnGE
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
Naturally, fans had plenty to say about the move on social media.
What I love about the Austin Ekeler signing.
The dude is a leader. He will be a great voice in the Commanders locker room.
Thunder and Lightning combo on the field too with Brian Robinson Jr. as the power back. pic.twitter.com/szYQyjPxsY
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) March 11, 2024
Austin Ekeler for "up to" $5.7M per year to #Commanders looks like nice value. Even as he enters age-29 season. https://t.co/wY9kFTlIL5
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) March 11, 2024
Austin Ekeler it was a honor and a pleasure. Congratulations and much success in Washington. pic.twitter.com/7WVtgE5XD9
— James Ebo (@james_ebo) March 11, 2024
On Austin Ekeler to the Commanders.
🏈 They needed a pass-catching RB.
🏈 Will be great safety valve for rookie QB.
🏈 Won't make much more than 4 or 5 AAV.
🏈 Gives them something different than B-Rob and C-Rod. pic.twitter.com/Q0wcw7wkr6— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 11, 2024
Good luck my dude @AustinEkeler get some chicken wings and mambo sauce it’ll change your life. #dmv https://t.co/dFn2e3tkAr
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) March 11, 2024
It’s a big signing in terms of name-value alone for the Commanders. But there are some very real concerns with Ekeler based on his performance last season in comparison to the rest of his career.
Ekeler is coming off a career-worst season in Los Angeles where he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. A big reason for this is that he very clearly appeared to have lost a step, which is evident when you watched him run at times last year.
If Austin Ekeler ran a 40 yard dash right now
what time is he getting?pic.twitter.com/E0p3ZITcCs
— Cam24 🦁 (@Cam24Thomas) March 11, 2024
It’s possible that the Commanders could be getting the old Austin Ekeler back if he is healthy heading into the 2024-25 season, a player who was a true game-changer for the Chargers offense early on in his tenure with the team.
However, it also appears to be possible that the Commanders could be getting a player who is starting to regress.
Only time will tell which player he will be moving forward. But regardless, he should be a good compliment to Robinson Jr. next year.
