Former Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler is taking his talents to the NFC East — and to the other side of the country.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Washington Commanders have signed Ekeler to a two-year contract with a maximum value of $11.43 million. The deal includes $3 million in signing bonuses, Pelissero added:
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Ekeler is one of several notable running backs who changed jerseys on Monday, along with Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), and D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears).
The 28-year-old Ekeler joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of Western Colorado. He broke out in 2018 by compiling 958 yards of offense and six total touchdowns, helping the Chargers to a 12-win season and trip to the Divisional Round.
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Ekeler posted over 1,000 yards of offense over four of the next five seasons, including a career-high 1,637 in 2022. He led the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage in 2021 and 2022 with 20 and 18, respectively.
The 5-foot-10 Ekeler joins a rebuilding Washington team that holds the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft. Assuming the Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams first overall, Washington will have the choice between LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
And the presence of Ekeler, one of the game’s ultimate touchdown machines, will make life for Washington’s QB that much easier.
