Source – Commanders, RB Austin Ekeler agree to 2-year deal

Former Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler is considering signing a two-year contract worth up to $11 million with the Washington Commanders, a source told Adam Schefter on Monday. ESPN.

Before the 2023 season, Ekeler, in the final year of a four-year, $24.1 million contract he signed in 2020, requested a trade after he and the Chargers did could not agree on a long-term extension. Ultimately, Ekeler returned to a revised deal with additional incentives.

Ekeler, 28, had one of the worst years of his career in 2023. He averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, struggled with drops and managed just five touchdowns. floor after getting 25 combined the previous two seasons.

The Chargers signed Ekeler as an undrafted free agent in 2017, and he became one of the league's best backs, allowing the Chargers to move on from Melvin Gordon, who they drafted in the first round in 2015, leaving as a free agent in 2019. Since then, Ekeler has established himself as one of the best running backs in the league.

In his first season as a starter, Ekeler totaled 1,550 yards from scrimmage and as of 2021, he has the most touchdowns by an NFL running back (44). Although Ekeler was an effective rusher, he made the most impact with the Chargers as a receiver, setting what was then the franchise single-season record for receptions in 2022.

During his career, Ekeler has totaled 4,355 yards with 39 touchdowns and has 440 receptions for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns.

ESPN's Kris Rhim contributed to this report.