One of the quieter, more significant moves of the NFL offseason came when all-purpose running back Austin Ekeler left the Los Angeles Chargers for the Washington Commanders.
The 29-year-old recently joined “Up & Adams” to talk about why he left the team that originally gave him a shot back in 2017.
“They wanted a guy to hand the ball off to 300 times a year…That’s not my game. There was a misalignment there, no harm no foul,” Ekeler said.
New @Commanders RB @AustinEkeler on why he and the #Chargers ultimately ended up parting ways…
"They wanted a guy to hand the ball off to 300 times a year… that's not my game. There was a misalignment there, no harm no foul."@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/9KBd1Lmpr5
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 17, 2024
The most rushing attempts that Ekeler ever had in a season his seven-year career with the Chargers was 206, which came in 2021.
The former Western Colorado star is more of a multi-purpose threat that can do multiple things really well.
Despite never rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season, Ekeler still put up yards.
In his seven seasons out in Hollywood, he recorded four seasons with over 1,000 scrimmage yards, including three seasons with at least 1,500 scrimmage yards.
In back-to-back seasons (2021-2022), he put up 20 and 18 total touchdowns, respectively.
The production was clearly evident, but Ekeler just wasn’t a true rusher, which is something new head coach Jim Harbaugh wanted.
Now heading to Washington, Ekeler will be a good veteran piece for No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels to rely on.
Along with Ekeler, former Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz and No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin can help be the leaders within the locker room.
If the Commanders can start winning games, Ekeler could be a key reason for why that is the case.
NEXT: Chargers Continue To Add Talent From 1 Rival AFC Team
