Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has recently been granted permission to seek a trade. Ekeler’s career as an undrafted free agent turned star has been quite the journey, but in the midst of non-existent contract negotiations, he seems to be looking for a fresh start elsewhere. His dual-threat ability as a runner and pass-catcher will make him valuable for whichever team decides to trade and pay the 27-year-old running back.Â
Where could he end up, though? Here are five possible trade destinations for Austin Ekeler:
Miami Dolphins
Whenever an RB is available, the first team to pop up as a possible trade spot is the Dolphins, and for good reason. Headlined by Raheem Mostert, Miami has one of the weakest RB rooms in the NFL, and Ekeler would fill a glaring hole in this offense. QB Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t have impressive arm strength, so having a pass-catching RB like Ekeler could be helpful for Tua. He would bring another fold to this already speedy offense, and Mike McDaniel could certainly have some fun with Ekeler.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have many needs at positions more crucial than RB, but they should absolutely give the cross-town Chargers a call. Ekeler’s ability to be a safety valve in the backfield would make him a big part of the Rams’ offense. Los Angeles’ new OC Mike LaFleur loves himself a good pass-catching RB, and Ekeler is exactly that. Plus, it would allow Ekeler to stay in Los Angeles, which would make a trade to the Rams a bit more enticing than other teams.
Cincinnati Bengals
Nobody knows the fate of current Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon. Mixon may not be in Cincy next season, and if the Bengals decide to move on, they should look to Ekeler as a replacement. They already lost RB Samaje Perine in free agency, so their RB room took a massive hit in the passing game. Ekeler would be just as good, if not better, than Mixon in this offense, and the Bengals should absolutely look to trade for him.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have an RB room that consists of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. Nobody is convinced that’s a group that’s game-changing. Ekeler is better than anybody in that room and would be a nice help if Washington decides to ride with Sam Howell. Washington isn’t that far away from having a solid offense, and Ekeler would be a big help. The idea of trading Ekeler to an NFC team is also ideal for the Chargers, so the Commanders are a real possibility.
Chicago Bears
The Bears signed D’Onta Foreman this past free agency to replace David Montgomery, who signed with the division rival Detroit Lions. Foreman had a solid 2022, but he isn’t designed to be an RB1. If the Bears were to sign Ekeler, he would fit perfectly into this offense. His pass-catching ability would be a real threat complementing Justin Fields’ rushing ability. The Bears are upgrading quickly on offense and defense, and with all the cap space they have, Chicago could extend Ekeler at a price that works for both sides. This is my favorite landing spot for Ekeler, and Bears’ GM Ryan Poles should already be on the phone with the Chargers.
