USA Today: Jim Harbaugh would 'love' to have Austin Ekeler on Chargers in 2024

[Robin Miller]

https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/12/chargers-jim-harbaugh-austin-ekeler-free-agent/


Gavino Borquez
February 12, 2024 2:01 am PT


Austin Ekeler is slated to be a free agent.

Jim Harbaugh, however, would like it if Ekeler remained in the blue and
gold when he begins his tenure as Chargers head coach.

“If things go well, it’s going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler
and the players,” Harbaugh said, per Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. “I
like Austin Ekeler.”

Harbaugh is expected to emphasize the running game in Greg Roman’s
offense, which the Bolts have struggled with in previous seasons.

“We’re going to have a huge emphasis on the run game, and we gotta block
better up front. He’s a tremendous back and we’d love to have him on the
team next year.”

Following a trade request this past offseason, Ekeler stayed in Los
Angeles after $1.75 million in incentives were added to his contract.

Even though he surpassed 1,000 total yards on the year, Ekeler had a
disappointing 2023 season. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the season
opener, and he wasn’t as efficient on the ground and dealt with drops
upon returning, finishing with the lowest scrimmage yards per touch of
his career.

Coming off a down season, both as a player and as a team, Ekeler
believes that Harbaugh is the guy to get them on the right track.

“I’ve heard great things about him. I’ve heard about he’s a
culture-starter, which is exactly what that team needs,” Ekeler said.

“My message for Jim if I’m on that team or not on that team is to make
sure we’re holding ourselves to a high standard and the culture is about
holding ourselves accountable and holding other players accountable
because I think that was lacking last year.”

Ekeler is not far removed from when he led the NFL with 38 touchdowns in
2021 and 2022. So he could still provide some juice to the offense.

Ekeler will keep his options open when deciding where to play in 2024.
But one thing that is certain, whether or not he is on the Chargers next
season, is that Harbaugh is going to do whatever it takes to establish
an efficient ground game to take some pressure off Justin Herbert.

[phlash74]

I really soured on Ekeler this year. I understand his frustration with not getting paid for the production he had, but the market for RBs is what it is and he has never been the guy you can give the ball to and expect him to get the tough yards down the stretch. Then he makes a first down symbol while they're losing 63-7 to the Raiders.

If he takes a pay cut and a role as a third down back and they find someone better to be the lead back, I'd be OK with him staying but I honestly think he and the team would both be better off if he lands elsewhere. Find a back in rounds 2-4 and maybe sign or trade for someone else (one proposed trade I saw had the Chargers trading the 5th pick to Atlanta for the 8th pick and Tyler Allegier, along with some other pick swaps).

Michael

[Robin Miller]

Yeah, he didn't have a good season and, despite his past success, I
think it would be best to move on also. OTOH, he's been great as an
outlet receiver for Herbert, and, especially if they let go of Williams,
he (or an equivalent) might be important in that role.

--Robin