Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler has been in the news a lot recently over money concerns. Ekeler took his thoughts to twitter, where he ranted about how all running backs are getting treated unfairly, especially in cash considerations.
Many of the best running backs took Ekeler’s side on this twister post. Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Cristian McCaffrey, and many more spoke out in agreeance. The entire running back position is dealing with the same issue, but none more than the backs who are due for contracts currently. Kareem Hunt was considered a top 10 running back not too long ago. Now he is still a free agent because of his age.
There are only a few running backs that get highly paid, as they are the best. Does Ekeler deserve to be in this illustrious group?
Ekeler has come a long way since being an undrafted rookie six years ago. Tom Telesco was quoted for saying how they may have never found out about Ekeler if it wasn’t for his preseason standout performance. Going into his rookie preseason, Ekeler was the 6th running back on the depth chart.
For his first two seasons, he was mainly a backup to Melvin Gordon or just for 3rd downs because of his great pass catching ability. By his third season, he made the front office have to decide if they want to go all in on Ekeler, as his production would amount to a bigger pay raise.
The Chargers signed Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract that was a steal for the time in 2020. While some players get lazy after signing a big contract, Ekeler only got better. He performed very well in 2020, but an injury did lower some of his stats. In his 2019, 2021 and 2022 season he surpassed 1500 total scrimmage yards.
Ekeler has his two best seasons the last two years with a combined 38 total touchdowns (most in the NFL in that time) and, 3195 scrimmage yards. This last season, he broke the Chargers single season reception record with 107 receptions, that ranks second all-time for all running backs.
Ekeler is one of the best pass catching running backs of all-time. However, his lack of explosive plays and rushing yards is a real concern. Ekeler ranked 23rd in yards per carry last season, tied with D’onta Foreman. Head coach Brandon Staley stated going into the offseason that a major area of improvement had to be in the run game. While there are many factors to a running attack, the running back has the most control. Ekeler has also never broken 1,000 rushing yards in a season.
Another interesting note is that has never received an NFL award such as a Pro Bowl. Ekeler has only been a replacement selection in the Pro Bowl and has zero All-Pro selections.
Ekeler has accomplished more than anyone could have imagined when he was picked up as an undrafted free agent years ago. He also is correct in how feels about being underpaid, as he is a touchdown machine. However, it is true that running backs significantly decline when they get older, which puts the NFL front offices in a tough decision.
A possible solution to the running back salary issue is to make it so running backs rookie contracts only last two years, so they have to get paid earlier because their careers last less. This is not reality right now. Ekeler does deserve more money, but his inconsistency in the rushing game and age makes it very difficult for him to get the cash he wants.
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Featured image courtesy of NFL.com
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