4 teams that may sign Austin Ekeler after leaving the Chargers
By Jason Reed
It has been obvious for quite some time that the 2023 season would be Austin Ekeler's last with the LA Chargers. Ekeler essentially confirmed that at the end of the season and now it is just a matter of time until he finds his next home.
The Chargers will not be franchise tagging Ekeler — along with several other teams not franchise tagging their running backs — and will allow him to test free agency. With no cap space and the desire for compensatory picks, the Chargers likely won't even be in communication with Ekeler's camp.
Thus, it is time for Ekeler to explore his options and there are several teams that make sense for the veteran running back.
4 teams that may sign Austin Ekeler after leaving the Chargers:
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are the most obvious team that could sign Austin Ekeler this offseason. Vegas is not franchise-tagging Josh Jacobs, who is likely going to sign for a more expensive deal than Ekeler. With newfound cap space (thanks to Jimmy G and the NFL), the Raiders now have the ability to spend on a running back and don't need to spend top-tier money.
Ekeler would be a smart replacement for Jacobs if that is what the Raiders are going for simply on a cost basis alone. Vegas would probably be better off just drafting a running back early in the draft but if the team wants a veteran back to pair with a young QB then it makes sense.
Plus, there is the added dynamic of Tom Telesco calling the shots as the Raiders GM as well as the fact that Ekeler now lives in Vegas. With those two variables in play, the Raiders are an obvious candidate to sign Ekeler.