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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has been one of the most productive "real life" players at the position over the past few seasons and has been a fantasy football superstar.
However, he is past the running back age apex of 24 or 25, so the team is apparently hesitant to rework his contract.
How has Ekeler played during his career and will he receive a contract extension? If not, could he hold out or be traded? Let's dive in.
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Austin Ekeler Career Review
Ekeler shared time with Melvin Gordon early in his career but carved out a nice passing game role with Philip Rivers. That said, he didn't score more than 11 touchdowns in any of his first four seasons in the NFL.
However, his last two campaigns have been his best. In 2021 and 2022, the Western State product totaled 1,826 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns on 410 carries – and 1,369 receiving yards for 13 receiving touchdowns on 177 receptions. His 38 total touchdowns over that span are the most in the NFL by a wide margin.
Somehow he hasn't been named to a Pro Bowl, but he's arguably been the best all-purpose running back in the league during his fifth and sixth seasons as a pro.
Could Ekeler Hold Out During the 2023 Season?
Ekeler wasn't present for the start of the team's voluntary offseason workouts on Monday. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone really, as there hasn't been any progress made on contract extension talks between Ekeler and the Chargers since the 28-year-old requested and received permission to seek a trade in March. As he heads into the final year of his four-year deal, Ekeler could be a holdout candidate this summer. He has clearly outplayed his contract, but the Bolts may be unwilling to give him what he wants.
This could result in a holdout during the early part of the season or an eventual trade. While he's not expected to be traded at this time, we shouldn't rule anything out at this point in the process. If he is traded, the Chargers have Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, and Larry Rountree III in the backfield, and they'd likely form a frustrating committee for fantasy managers. That said, the team would likely add a veteran or two to its backfield.
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