Chiefs Named ‘Best Fit’ to Land Chargers’ 69-Touchdown RB

Chiefs Named ‘Best Fit’ to Land Chargers’ 69-Touchdown RB

Brett Veach, the Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager, has a lot of work to do this offseason as the team officially pursues a third Super Bowl championship. With over 20 upcoming free agents, there is projected upheaval at a variety of positions.

While improving at wide receiver should be a primary focus, adding a dynamic running back is also high on the agenda. ESPN source Matt Bowen described Kansas City as the “best fit” for Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler.

Despite a disappointing season in 2023, Ekeler remains one of the league’s greatest pass-catching running backs. During his seven seasons with the Chiefs’ AFC West foe, he scored 69 touchdowns.

“With Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon heading to free agency, the Chiefs could sign Ekeler on a short-term deal to work in rotation with Isiah Pacheco,” Bowen wrote in a column on February 20.

“He would provide coach Andy Reid with a pass-game threat out of 21 personnel who can flex from the backfield. Ekeler caught 51 passes for the Chargers last season and has 440 receptions in his career.

According to Spotrac.com, Ekeler is expected to sign a three-year, $22.3 million contract during free agency. However, a new beginning and a chance for a Super Bowl ring may convince him to take a pay cut. After the Chargers went 5-12 this season, Ekeler appeared to have one foot out the door.

“I’m not going to be with these guys anymore, and it’s one of those journeys that I’ll always remember,” Ekeler told The Athletic. “But sad that it has to end.”

Austin Ekeler may have a huge impact alongside Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco.

Ekeler, who turns 29 in May, requested a trade last offseason but eventually accepted to a new deal that included $1.75 million in incentives. “I haven’t closed anyone off,” the Western Colorado alum said of free agency in an interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Matt Harmon on “Ekeler’s Edge” earlier this month.

“There are certainly things I am looking at that I cannot negotiate on. I obviously want a fair market price, whatever that may be. And that will be determined. That is to be determined based on your team’s appetite for Austin.

Do you need a running back? Is it going to be a tandem, or do you want me to be the main guy? Are you genuinely in a situation where, say, you enjoy throwing the ball to your running backs, or we run 30 times every game? All of these varied fits will have to play a role in, hey, where am I heading.

After leading the league in total touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022, Ekeler recognizes that last season’s numbers may lower his market worth. “It sucks, obviously, going into a down year right before free agency,” he told reporters. “Unfortunately, this was a terrible year for the entire team. But the thing is, I’m still motivated, ready to go make plays, and have an influence on a team.

Ekeler, like Pacheco, has the potential to make a significant impact on the Chiefs. Nick Jacobs of KSHB 41 commented, “[Pacheco] lacks the lateral speed and dynamic change of direction to be effective on the edge or in the passing game.” While he plays an important role in the offensive, he must be part of a rotation to full impact.”

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh would ‘want’ to keep Austin Ekeler.

Following a disastrous season, the Chargers overhauled their management to bring in new general manager Joe Horwitz and head coach Jim Harbaugh. While Ekeler’s failed trade effort last season alienated many Chargers supporters, Harbaugh is eager to negotiate a new contract.

“If things go well, it’s going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler and the players,” Harbaugh told the Associated Press’s Rob Maadi on February 10. “I like Austin Ekeler. We’re going to put a lot of emphasis on the run game, and we need to improve our blocking up front.

“He’s a terrific back, and we’d love to have him on the team next year. But, yes, [if] things go smoothly, it is mostly due to the efforts of all players. If something goes wrong, it’s because I’m a lousy manager and a bad coach.”

According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, “The Chargers are projected to be $45.806 million over the cap and $55.391 million over when factoring in the space they will need to sign their draft class and reach the minimum of 51 rostered players.” So, even if they want to keep Ekeler, they might not be able to finance it.

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