When the 2023 NFL offseason began, it was revealed that Austin Ekeler requested a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers.
Allegedly, he was unhappy with his current contract and was looking to sign a new deal with more guaranteed money.
It was recently reported that Ekeler will return to the Chargers, but the details of his revised deal weren’t initially known.
As Tom Pelissero indicates, Ekeler could gain up to $1 million for rushing yards totals, and $150K for making the Pro Bowl, among other incentives.
New incentives in #Chargers RB Austin Ekeler’s revised deal:
Up to $1M for total yards (tiers from 1,125 to 1,639)
Up to $600K for TDs (tiers from 10 to 16)
$150K for Pro Bowl
Ekeler had 1,637 yards and 18 TDs in 2022. So a similar season in 2023 can earn him the full $1.75M.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 24, 2023
As Pelissero points out, if Ekeler has a similar season in 2023 that he did in 2022, he would cash in on all of his contract incentives.
The Chargers are looking to make another splash in the NFL this season, and Ekeler should be a big part of their roster.
Last season, he had a career-high in receptions and will look to make a similar impact in 2022.
Justin Herbert continues to make strides as a passer, and with a veteran like Ekeler on his side, anything is possible.
Father Time does remain undefeated, and with Ekeler entering his age-28 season, his window for elite production is closing.
With any luck, the Chargers can continue their success, making a deeper playoff run in 2023 than they were able to last season.
They will have to contend with the reigning Super Bowl Champions, as the Kansas City Chiefs are in their division.
However, they are armed with a new offensive coordinator, which could be the golden ticket for Herbert to fully unlock their offense.
NEXT: NFL Analyst Adds Context To Austin Ekeler's Situation
