Austin Eckler stays with Chargers after $1.75 million incentive increase: reports

A league source has confirmed that Chargers star running back Austin Eckler will stay with the team after adding $1.75 million in incentives to his deal this season. the athlete. Here’s what you need to know:

• Ekeler, 28, requested a trade from the Chargers in March after contract talks stalled.
• In April, he said back off SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio The “worst case scenario” is that he plays in Los Angeles in 2023 and is looking for a long-term deal when he becomes a free agent after the season. He also said he is looking for a team that is interested in making a multi-year commitment to him.
• Ekeler wasn’t introduced in the Chargers’ first organized collegiate activity on Monday, but he prefers to practice on his own over the offseason. He missed all of the OTAs last year before joining the team for the mandatory mini-camp, so the absence isn’t necessarily related to his current contract status.
• Coach Brandon Staley said he expected Eckler to be present at the mandatory junior camp.

the athleteInstant Analysis:

Ekeler consistency

Whether it’s measuring traditional stats or advanced stats, the Chargers’ running backs have been one of the most effective backfield weapons in the past couple of seasons. Here’s a look at some advanced stat rankings via TruMedia to prove Ekeler’s effectiveness:

Expected points added per goal/rush (at least 200 touches)

• 2021 ranking: eighth (26 qualifiers).
• 2022 classification: fourth (30 qualifiers).

It’s also not worth anything that other running backs like Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook, both of whom were part of the 2017 rookie class with Ekeler, have fallen precipitously in these metrics in the past two seasons. – Larry What is with you

background story

Initial talks between Ekeler and Los Angeles about a contract extension did not progress, prompting his request to be traded.

Ekeler is set to enter the final year of the $24.5 million extension he signed in 2020, according to Spotrac.com. He was one of the NFL’s most productive running backs during that span, scoring 38 total touchdowns over his last two seasons. No other player has more than 26 on the run.

Across TruMedia, his total of 52 touchdowns since 2019 ranks second among all quarterbacks, behind only Derrick Henry. During this span, he ranked second among eligible 52 RBs (minimum 500 runs) in yards per run (1.92).

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(Photo: Mark J. Rebellas/USA Today)