With an NFL-leading 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons, conventional wisdom suggested versatile Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had plenty of leverage heading into the final year of the $24.5-million contract he signed with the team after a breakout season in 2019.
Ekeler reportedly will use some of that leverage by asking the Chargers for permission to speak to other teams about possible trade options after preliminary talks about an extension failed to progress, according to multiple reports Monday. Ekeler is due $6.25 million for next season.
The league’s free-agency negotiation period began Monday, with the signing window opening Wednesday.
In addition to Ekeler, quarterback Justin Herbert also is eligible for a contract extension. Herbert, drafted sixth overall in 2020, could join a select group of quarterbacks making a fully guaranteed $100 million or, including Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and Rusell Wilson, if a new deal is completed.
DeShaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns set the standard for quarterbacks when he signed as a free agent last year.
The Chargers created salary-cap space of roughly $18 million by restructuring the contracts of edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, according to figures compiled by the website overthecap.com. The Chargers spent nearly $80 million in free agency last year.
This year’s free-agent frenzy is expected to be far less extravagant for the Chargers.
Extensions for Ekeler and Herbert would not impact this year’s free-agent budget since each is signed through at least the 2023 season. However, Ekeler’s decision to seek a trade added a new wrinkle to what was expected to be a monthslong negotiation that figured to last up to and including training camp.
Ekeler’s value to the Chargers’ offense the past two seasons cannot be underestimated, especially while helping them return to the playoffs last season for the…
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