3 best trade package returns the Chargers could get for Austin Ekeler

The LA Chargers have granted Austin Ekeler permission to seek out a trade from the team this offseason. Ekeler is in the last year of his deal and after extension talks with the team went nowhere, the running back wants to find someone who will pay him market value.

There could absolutely be suitors for Ekeler on the trade market and each of those suitors could offer a slightly different trade package. Using the teams we previously outlined in a different article, we wanted to dive into what the best packages the Chargers could get for the running back.

Some of these trades are unique as well, as the best version of an Ekeler trade involves the team getting NFL talent in return.

3 best trade package returns the Chargers could get for Austin Ekeler:

The New England Patriots Austin Ekeler trade package

The New England Patriots just signed Juju Smith Schuster to a three-year contract, moving Kendrick Bourne down the depth chart as the WR4. While the Patriots need pass-catchers for Mac Jones, it would benefit them to make this kind of swap.

Bourne is not projected to get many snaps in New England next season plus the team is better off drafting a WR early to add depth to the room. With Bourne on an expiring deal that is similar to Ekeler, that makes him an easy swap target for the Chargers.

LA only has three wide receivers on the roster right now and Bourne would be a solid one-year depth option to also go along with a drafted rookie. Bourne has shown the potential to be an impactful player that can step up in key spots as he finished with over 800 receiving yards in his first year with the Pats.

The draft capital return may not seem great but unfortunately, Ekeler is not going to yield much draft capital in a trade. Running backs are under valued in the NFL.