“It was a real punch in the face” – says one of the best running backs in the NFL

MISE À DAY

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is unhappy with his contract deal, but can't find a team that meets his expectations. 

The 27-year-old athlete has a contract still valid for the next season, which should receive $ 6.25 million in 2023. Negotiations for a new agreement with the Californian club have failed and the footballer has obtained the permission to approach other NFL teams to try to complete a transaction.

This process does not appear to have been fruitful and easy for Ekeler.

“It was a real punch to the face, he said during his appearance on Fantasy Sports Radio SiriusXM. Time will tell what will happen. Who knows? We'll see what happens in the draft. If a team wants to have me for the long term, they will have to give [draft] choices and they will also have to negotiate with me. Those are things that work against me.”

“The worst-case scenario is going back to the Chargers for a year, where I have to bet on myself and become a free agent next year.

In 17 games last year, Ekeler had 915 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 107 passes for 722 yards and five majors. His total of 18 touchdowns represents a high for any player who does not play as a quarterback in the NFL in 2022.