Austin Ekeler is experiencing his version of a Southern California freeway traffic jam. He hopes to find his next destination, but the Los Angeles Chargers star running back has found himself stuck, with things moving slowly around him.
Ekeler demanded a trade from the Bolts during the offseason. Now with the calendar turned to May, the versatile running back still remains the topic of trade discussions following the 2023 NFL Draft. But, it appears his slow-moving future just picked up some traction following the latest statement from Chargers general manager Tom Telesco.
Tom Telesco Reveals Latest Rumors Around Austin Ekeler and Chargers
The Chargers GM went on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday to detail where things now stand between the organization and the RB, who snatched 107 passes and tallied a career-best 1,637 total yards last season.
“Nothing’s changed,” Telesco said to Eisen. “His situation is unique. I completely understand that, which is why we kind of allowed them to kind of look and see if there was anything out there. We had no intent, no interest of trading him, but fully knowing his situation to go ahead and do it.”
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So there was no interest on the Chargers’ side of dealing him away … yet they understood why Ekeler made his plea and greenlighted him to search. And there was no mention of the Chargers sitting down with Ekeler to map out a contract extension, as his current deal expires in 2024.
Though this sounds like a brief speed increase toward his pending future, it still points to Ekeler remaining in his personal congestion. But this also signals that Ekeler’s L.A. stay has an uncertain checkout date.
How Can Chargers Address Ekeler Situation?
There’s still hope among Bolt fans that Ekeler can keep the lightning across the sides of his helmet for 2023.
Perhaps a future meeting between Telesco, Ekeler, and head coach Brandon Staley can map out a scenario all three parties can agree on for 2023. A strong selling point to keep Ekeler in L.A. is the fact the Chargers didn’t spend a single draft pick on a running back.
The Chargers opted for four offensive players during the NFL Draft: two wide receivers (TCU teammates Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis), an offensive tackle (Clemson’s Jordan McFadden), and a backup quarterback (TCU’s Max Duggan).
Another strong seller: There’s no one on the current roster who poses a threat to the title of RB1. While Joshua Kelley averaged 4.2 yards per carry, he still delivered just 287 rushing yards and caught only 14 receptions. Isaiah Spiller only chipped in 54 total yards in six games of action. Larry Rountree III had just 33 yards from scrimmage. And there’s no Sony Michel.
Where Can Chargers Go If Ekeler Officially Isn’t Involved in 2023 Plans?
While Ekeler could pull a U-turn and pivot back to the Chargers, the Bolts themselves could be persuaded to trade away their star RB, especially if tensions mount between both parties over his deal.
One last blockbuster trade idea involves Staley making a call to a former Los Angeles Rams co-worker of his in Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is another facing uncertainty at his current stop and has been the subject of trade rumblings. Perhaps a swap of backfield stars can pass as an even exchange between the Chargers and Vikes.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers 2023 Schedule
The other idea is the Chargers making a deal with one other RB-needy team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or their L.A. neighbor, the Rams. Draft capital would come into play for the Chargers as they can add additional picks with one or the other. This scenario can get the Bolts to make way for PFN’s No. 1 2024 RB TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State or draft a running/receiving threat in Raheim Sanders from Arkansas.
Regardless, Ekeler’s 2023 status has stayed at a slow-moving speed, with no official signs of finding clearance for his next destination.