Commanders Ink Austin Ekeler In Free Agency

Commanders Ink Austin Ekeler In Free Agency

The Commanders lost Antonio Gibson today but I have a funny suspicion that they’re not too upset about it. Probably because they most likely upgraded. Austin Ekeler is leaving the Chargers and has signed a free agent contract with Washington.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network was the first to report the news:

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

Ekeler, 28, doesn’t exactly land the payday that he was hoping for. It’s a two year deal for $11.43 million. Saquon Barkley is going to be making around double his annual salary with his new contract with the Eagles. Several running backs got better deals than Ekeler today.

The former Western Colorado product certainly did his part as a former undrafted free agent. The Chargers got a lot of surplus value out of the veteran running back. During his time with the Chargers, Ekeler rushed for 4,355 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns across seven seasons. That’s not even including all of the damage he did as a pass catcher.

Austin Ekeler seeking long-term deal: ‘I’m so underpaid’

Ekeler will now be paired up with Brian Robinson in the Commanders backfield. The fit seems to make a lot of sense on paper. Ekeler can fill the role of Gibson as a pass catcher. Robinson can continue to do his thing grinding out the dirty yards. Given where Ekeler is at this stage of his career, it’s a partnership that makes some sense.

Now we all get to wait and find out who Washington will take with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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