After seven largely profitable seasons collectively, Austin Ekeler and the Los Angeles Chargers parted methods amicably. A change in philosophy, Ekeler stated, was the principle motive why he left Los Angeles earlier than signing a two-year take care of the Washington Commanders.
Ekeler knew, following a dialog between himself and the Chargers’ brass, that he had performed his remaining down for the franchise.
“The Chargers got here to me and type of instructed me what they had been taking a look at in a operating again place, and it wasn’t what I can supply as a participant,” Ekeler stated on the “God Bless Soccer” podcast. “So there was a misalignment.
“So it is like, yeah, they’re , however, are you actually? Is it like a, if all else fails, we’ll deliver Austin again in kind of factor, as a result of I do not need to be in that state of affairs, and if that is your philosophy of what you are telling me and I do not match that, I’ve obtained to go look elsewhere. Which is completely effective, no onerous emotions. You need to go a unique course.”
The Chargers went forward and signed Gus Edwards, an influence again who averaged almost 5 yards per carry throughout his 5 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ekeler stated that six groups had been genuinely concerned with him at the beginning of free company. Luckily for Ekeler, he discovered the precise staff and the precise slot in Washington.
“I used to be searching for somebody who had a strong again that I might actually complement and we are able to actually stability issues off of one another so far as our manufacturing,” Ekeler stated, alluding to Commanders operating again Brian Robinson Jr. “We’re very various kinds of runners. He is like 6-1, 220 (kilos) or no matter he’s, and I am not. I am like little scat-speed. So nearly like going again to the me and Melvin Gordon punch. So wanting ahead to seeing how that dynamic performs out as effectively.”
You may say Ekeler has been underrated all through his profession. A former undrafted rookie, he made the Chargers’ 53-man roster as a rookie earlier than almost eclipsing 1,000 all-purpose yards in his second season. By his third season, Ekeler had established himself as arguably the NFL’s most versatile again together with Christian McCaffrey.
Ekeler had 92 catches almost 1,000 receiving yards in 2019. Throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Ekeler scored a mixed 38 touchdowns whereas amassing 3,195 all-purpose yards. He went over 1,000 whole yards final season regardless of being hampered by accidents.
Ekeler wasn’t the one notable participant who left the Chargers this offseason. The staff additionally parted methods with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Their departures had been much less about their means and extra about new coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers’ want to have a extra well-balanced roster that’s largely devoid of bloated contracts (sans quarterback Justin Herbert).
Along with his time in Los Angeles within the rearview mirror, Ekeler is wanting ahead to a his alternative in Washington.
“I do know there’s going to be an adjustment, however I am wanting ahead to the adjustment of simply making an attempt one thing new in my life,” he stated. “It is a new alternative to be again on the sector. New group, new coaches, new tradition. I will attempt to immerse myself on this and take it on for what it’s. It is a new problem for me and seeing if I could make as a lot as I can with this one as I did with my different.”