In need of a down-to-down running back after Antonio Gibson’s move to the New England Patriots, free agent RB Austin Ekeler agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Washington Commanders on Monday.
The deal is expected to see the former Los Angeles Chargers RB make up to $11 million beginning next season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A Look at Austin Ekeler’s Contract Details
On the opening day of the NFL‘s legal tampering period, Ekeler moved to the NFC to join the Commanders, tying Ekeler down for the next two seasons.
Monday was a busy day for running backs in the NFC East, as ex-New York Giant Saquon Barkley agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles, Tony Pollard moved from Dallas to the Tennessee Titans, and the hard-to-tackle D’Andre Swift is calling Chicago his new home.
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
Here’s everything to know about the contract, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero:
- Two years
- Worth up to $11.43 million
Importance of Ekeler Joining the Washington Commanders
Looking for their first victory in the playoffs since the 2005 campaign, Washington is getting a player that adds leadership to an otherwise young locker room.
Before the agreement was officially announced, the Commanders’ running back room consisted of Brian Robinson Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Derrick Gore.
During his time on the West Coast, Ekeler logged 69 total touchdowns.
Combined, Robinson, Rodriguez, and Gore have been responsible for 11 scores.
And with the addition of Barkley to the Eagles and Singletary to the Giants, the Commanders had to grab a proven player.
Washington, currently holding the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s draft, will likely go after a quarterback, pairing him with Ekeler, who can also catch passes out of the backfield and turn them into big gains.
Head coach Dan Quinn, acquired this offseason, has to hope and pray he will get the 2021 and 2022 versions of Ekeler.
In both seasons, the former Western Colorado standout produced over 900 yards on the ground and 600 yards through the air.
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Ekeler will also get a chance to work with a respected individual next season: Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator.
Kingsbury is known for working closely with highly talented players on the offensive side of the football, where his teams have been at the top in numerous categories.
Ekeler will not be earning huge money with his new team, but the addition to a roster starving for season-to-season success is a definite win-win for all parties involved.
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