Former Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler plans to sign a two-year contract worth up to $11 million with the Washington Commanders, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Ekeler, in the final year of a four-year, $24.1 million contract he signed in 2020, requested a trade after he and the Chargers could not come to terms on a long-term extension. . Ultimately, Ekeler returned with a revised deal with additional incentives.
Ekeler, 28, had one of the worst years of his career in 2023. He averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, struggled with drops and had just five rushing touchdowns after posting 25 combined in the previous two seasons.
The Chargers signed Ekeler as an undrafted free agent in 2017, and he emerged as one of the league's best running backs, making the Chargers comfortable allowing Melvin Gordon, whom they drafted in the first round in 2015, He left as a free agent in 2019. Since then, Ekeler has established himself as one of the league's leading pass-catching running backs.
In his first season as a starter, Ekeler racked up 1,550 yards from scrimmage and, since 2021, has had the most touchdowns by a running back in the NFL (44). While Ekeler has been an effective running back, he has had the greatest impact with the Chargers as a receiver, setting what was then the franchise record for receptions in a single season in 2022.
Over his career, Ekeler has rushed for 4,355 yards with 39 touchdowns and has 440 receptions for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns.
ESPN's Kris Rhim contributed to this report.
