Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler says he’s relentlessly pursuing long-term deal because he’s ‘so underpaid’ right now

Published by
David Akerman

The Los Angeles Chargers recently granted running back Austin Ekeler’s request to seek a trade after preliminary extension talks between the two sides did not progress.

Ekeler spoke about that recently and explained that he’s “relentlessly” pursuing a new long-term deal because he’s “so underpaid” right now.

“I feel like there’s no timeline,” he said while speaking to former NFL defensive end Chris Long. “… I’m so underpaid right now, as far as my contract and what I contribute to the team. I am, I am relentlessly pursuing this. I want to get something long-term done. I want a team that wants me long term. I’m at the peak of my game.”

The 27-year-old makes a solid point about being underpaid. He’s one of the most versatile backs in the league and led the NFL in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns during each of the last two seasons.

During the 2022 campaign, he carried the ball 204 times for 915 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 107 catches for 722 yards and five scores.

In the previous season, he ran for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 647 yards and eight touchdowns through the air.

Despite that production, he’s only set to receive a base salary of about $6.3 million in the 2023 season. That number is ninth among all running backs in the NFL.

Three of the running backs that are set to make more than him in 2023 were franchise tagged by their respective teams. Those three are Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard. They will all make a little under $10.1 million.

While Ekeler has been seeking a trade, it’s not as though he really wants to leave the Chargers. He just wants to get paid what he feels he is worth.

Some might point to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey’s current deal as a solid reference for what Ekeler deserves. After all, the two are pretty similar players in that they both offer a lot on the ground and through the air.

McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million deal with the Carolina Panthers back in 2020 and is set to make a base salary of $11.8 million this season. At 26 years old, he’s slightly younger than Ekeler, but he is somewhat injury-prone.

It will be interesting to follow Ekeler’s situation as the offseason goes on. There are plenty of teams that could use a star running back like him.

David Akerman

David is a Miami native and University of Maryland graduate who has experience in writing, editing and video production. He has been following the NBA and NFL for as long as he can remember.

Published by
David Akerman

Recent Posts

Tua Tagovailoa’s mom exposes hater who wished death on Dolphins QB due to her political views

On Wednesday — when it was already revealed that Donald Trump had won the United…

18 hours ago

G League plan for Bronny James comes with unexpected twist

After ESPN's Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin hinted at it last month, Los Angeles Lakers rookie…

18 hours ago

Tyreek Hill throws shade at Noah Lyles following track star’s close race vs. IShowSpeed

IShowSpeed, a popular YouTuber and streamer, put his quickness to the test recently when he…

19 hours ago

Donald Trump plans to work on lowering sports ticket prices for fans

On the heels of winning the general election, Donald Trump plans to work on lowering…

2 days ago

Jason Kelce says he regrets throwing slur back at fan who used it against his brother Travis

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce was heckled by a fan before a college football game…

2 days ago

Ex-teammates Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James offer opposing reactions to Trump winning election

After Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the election,…

2 days ago