NFL Rumors: Chargers FA Austin Ekeler to Sign 2-Year, $11.4M Contract with Commanders

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVMarch 11, 2024

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The Washington Commanders are widely expected to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, and they’ve begun the process of surrounding him with weapons.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the team is signing veteran running back Austin Ekeler to a two-year contract worth up to $11.4 million.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroAustin Ekeler gets a $3 million signing bonus and $4.82M total in Year 1, with a chance to earn another $1.5M in incentives this season. A big addition for the new regime in Washington. https://t.co/qv7basPY0m

The 29-year-old Ekeler should be the perfect complement for Brian Robinson, a bruising, between-the-tackles runner who has tallied 1,550 yards and seven touchdowns in 27 career games.

While the second-year running back also showed some chops in the passing game last season (36 catches for 368 yards and four scores), Ekeler will be a huge upgrade in that regard over both Robinson and Antonio Gibbs (who reportedly signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots on Monday).

NFL Network @nflnetworkAustin Ekeler is headed to the Commanders!

“He’s gonna have a lot of fun there in Washington.” – @MJD pic.twitter.com/7bq1m91c2t

David Aldridge @davidaldridgedcAustin Ekeler, as most of you know, smells the end zone. The Commanders, as most of you know, have been horrendous in the red zone since the days of Riggins, Byner and Gerald Riggs. Good, economical pickup to pair at RB with Brian Robinson.

Ekeler had something of a down year in 2023, rushing for 628 yards and five scores while adding 51 catches for 436 yards and another touchdown in 14 games. He failed to reach 1,500 yards from scrimmage for the first time since 2020 and for just the second time in the past five seasons, causing some concern that his prime years may be behind him.

NFL @NFL.@AustinEkeler headed to the DMV 😤 @Commanders pic.twitter.com/qqFhHuPfRD

He’ll undoubtedly make Washington’s pass offense even more dangerous, however, joining a solid group of wideouts led by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. There are obviously question marks surrounding the quarterback position, where Sam Howell is the incumbent, but a rookie is almost assuredly getting added to the mix.

But the Commanders have some playmakers on offense.

Monday was a busy day for the running back position. Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears), Devin Singletary (New York Giants) and Gus Edwards (Los Angeles Chargers) were among the free agents at the position to change teams.

The top options remaining on the board are four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry, though it’s hard to imagine he’ll be without a team for long, and Aaron Jones.