An intriguing blockbuster trade proposal has the Los Angeles Chargers sending one of their star players to another top AFC club.
Earlier this offseason, veteran running back Austin Ekeler requested a trade from the Bolts because of discontent over his contract situation. The two sides managed to reach a compromise, with the Chargers adding $1.75 million in incentives to his contract.
But what if the Chargers end up deciding they’re better off trading Ekeler rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency next year? If Ekeler hits the trade block, the Bolts certainly wouldn’t have a problem finding interested parties.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine proposed three blockbuster trade ideas for the Buffalo Bills. The most enticing proposal? A move for the Chargers’ star running back:
“On one hand, it would be shocking for Ekeler to be traded after the Chargers publicly made adjustments to keep him around. On the other, L.A. could have done that to keep him from torpedoing his value on the market.
A trade that would send Oliver to the Chargers and bring Ekeler to the Bills would be shocking, but would actually help the Bills on two different fronts. Paying Ekeler on a new contract is going to be cheaper than paying (Ed) Oliver, and it would still help the Bills reach their goal of playing for a championship.”
Ballentine’s proposal was written before the Bills wound up handing Oliver a four-year contract extension worth $68 million. Still, Oliver’s new deal shouldn’t hold off GM Brandon Beane from considering the idea of upgrading his running game.
Buffalo hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since LeSean McCoy in 2017. Their leading rusher of 2022, Devin Singletary, left to sign with the Houston Texans in free agency.
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Ekeler used to do most of his damage as a pass-catching back, but he has surpassed 900 yards rushing in each of the last two years. Ekeler had 1,558 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns in 2021, and 1,637 yards and 18 total touchdowns in 2022.
Indeed, the high-powered Buffalo offense could use a dynamic player of Ekeler’s caliber to help Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and company.
