Earlier in the offseason, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler received permission to seek a trade after it became clear that Los Angeles was not going to pay him.
Running backs not being paid has become a reoccurring theme over the past few years and continues this offseason as well. Big names like Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook remain without a team after being released while Miles Sanders and David Montgomery were able to cash in.
Saquon Barkley is still his hardest to get himself a big deal after being slapped with the franchise tag.
Austin Ekeler is tired of running backs not being paid. Ekeler believes that running backs should be paid based on their impact on the game when compared to wide receivers who have lesser roles on other teams. The veteran running back stated the frustration is not just about the money, but also about feeling valued by the team.
“If I’m looking at some of the backup receivers out here that are still making more than me, that’s going to piss me off, right?,” said Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler in an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
“I’m a little bit like, OK, wait a minute, so you’re telling me these people are the No. 3 receivers and they’re going to make more than me? And I’m the starter? I get more carries, I touch the ball more, I have more of an impact.”
Ekeler is in the final year of his contract and is set to make $6.25M this season.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
In his 2022 campaign, Ekeler put up 915 rushing yards, 722 receiving yards, and 18 total scrimmage touchdowns. 915 rushing yards was a career single-season high for the former undrafted running back out of Western Colorado.
