Chargers news: Austin Ekeler fumbles contract, Justin Herbert's free agency influence

The hectic portion of the NFL offseason has come and gone and we are now in the calm before the storm that is the 2023 NFL Draft. That being said, there is still plenty of Chargers news for fans to digest before the draft.

Most of the news is surrounding the biggest storyline in LA right now: Austin Ekeler's future. After leading the league in touchdowns over the last two years, Ekeler requested permission to seek a trade and it has only gotten messier since.

Ekeler keeps talking about the situation and it is producing more Chargers news. Here is your Chargers news roundup.

Chargers news roundup:

• Austin Ekeler called returning to the Chargers on his current contract "the worst-case scenario". Ekeler reiterated that he wants to play for a team that has a long-term vision for him and signs him to a multi-year deal. Ekeler said that he felt disrespected by the Chargers not wanting to discuss an extension any longer.

• Ekeler also confirmed that the two sides had previous contract extension talks. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed that, explaining that the Chargers tried offering Ekeler a new deal both after the 2021 season and during the 2022 season that would have essentially operated as a raise.

• New Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks told FanDuel's Kay Adams that Justin Herbert was a reason why he decided to sign with the Chargers. Kendricks signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract to come to LA.

NFL news roundup:

• Mac Jones has reportedly been shopped by the New England Patriots this offseason. Interested teams that have been named include the Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders.

• John Elway is no longer working with the Denver Broncos after his consultant contract expired. Elway spent nearly 30 years combined working with the Broncos in some capacity, whether it be as a player or in the front office.

• The Raiders have continued their trend of trying to mimic the New England Patriots, hiring former Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola to the coaching staff.