Chargers RB Austin Ekeler Is Extremely Unhappy With His Contract Situation

Running backs in the NFL have a lower share of the action. In the current game, it is simply how things are. Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers is aware of and comprehends why owners would continue to follow this expanding market trend. But he will continue to struggle against it.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler Is Extremely Unhappy With His Contract Situation

Austin Ekeler, a running back for the Chargers, was given permission to look for a trade earlier in the offseason as it became evident that Los Angeles would not extend his contract.

Ultimately, he and the organization came to terms on a modified agreement that increased incentives for this season’s last year of his four-year, $24.5 million contract.

Ekeler made an appearance this week on the Rich Eisen Show and discussed his feelings about the running back market.

“If I’m looking at some of the backup receivers out here that are still making more than me, that’s going to piss me off, right?” Ekeler said. “I’m a little bit like, OK, wait a minute, so you’re telling me these people are the No. 3 receivers and they’re going to make more than me? And I’m the starter? I get more carries, I touch the ball more, I have more of an impact.

“It causes us to question, right? We’re going to fight for that. I’m bringing more value to the team than this person. I think I should be compensated for that. … It seems like it’s about money, but it’s about principles. It’s about the principle of adding value to a team.”

Ekeler stressed that his concern is not just about money but also about the idea of improving a team. He believes that his contributions—like carrying the ball more frequently and having a bigger influence on the game—justify a larger wage.

The Western Colorado standout who went undrafted is accustomed to working hard to establish himself and has emerged as the best pass-catching back in the league. Last season, he had 107 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns.

Having scored 25 running touchdowns in the previous two seasons combined, Ekeler is a lock to carry the ball into the end zone as well. His astounding output has played a significant role in the Chargers’ return to relevance.

 

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