NFL touchdown machine lands new team in free agency after trade request

13 March 2024 , 00:00

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Austin Ekeler has signed with the Washington Commanders where he will join Brian Robinson in the running back room (Image: Getty Images)

NFL star Austin Ekeler, who has been a touchdown machine in recent years, has joined the Washington Commanders a year after failing to secure a trade.

Last season, Ekeler asked for a trade to reflect his status as one of the top running backs in the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers allowed him to look for a new team, but nothing came of it.

Instead, the Chargers added £1.4 million ($1.75 million) in bonuses to his existing deal, which the 28-year-old didn't meet. Ekeler, who was in the last year of a four-year contract worth £19.2 million ($24.1 million) signed in 2020, had one of his worst seasons in 2023. He couldn't agree on a long-term deal or find a new team.

His performance dipped, with an average of 3.5 yards per carry, issues with drops, and only five rushing touchdowns, compared to 25 over the previous two seasons. In 2022, Ekeler led the NFL with 18 touchdowns from scrimmage, but only managed six this past year.

He became the fifth running back in league history to have at least 100 catches in a season last year, but Ekeler finished with 51 in 2023. Despite this, he's found a new home with the Commanders after free agency opened on Monday. Ekeler signed a two-year deal worth up to £8.8 million ($11 million) to join Washington.

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Even though Ekeler is a threat in both passing and rushing, his value was affected because the running back position isn't as valued. Last year, he was hoping to get a deal like San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, who signed a four-year contract worth $64 million with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

Ekeler has been a touchdown machine for the Chargers in recent years (No credit)

Ekeler's deal with the Commanders comes after a tough year for him, even though he's one of the best running backs in the NFL. He was a key part of the Chargers' offense along with receiver Keenan Allen and was a favourite of quarterback Justin Herbert.

Ekeler came to LA as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and quickly became one of the NFL's top backs. He took over from Melvin Gordon as the starter for the Chargers, using his pass-catching skill to dominate out the backfield.

In his first season as the starter, Ekeler had 1,550 yards from scrimmage, and since 2021, he has scored the most touchdowns by a running back in the NFL (44). He's most effective through the air; in 2022, he set what was then the single-season franchise record for receptions (107).

Over his career, Ekeler has rushed for 4,355 yards with 39 touchdowns and has made 440 receptions for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Andrew Gamble