The Misalignment that Led to Austin Ekeler’s Departure from the Chargers

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, one of the most intriguing storylines has been the Los Angeles Chargers’ remake of their running back room. The team let Austin Ekeler walk in free agency, opting to bring in two former Baltimore Ravens, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, and drafting Kimani Vidal in the sixth round. But what led to Ekeler’s departure, and what does it say about the Chargers’ plans for their running game?

Ekeler, speaking on the Up & Adams Show, shed some light on his decision to leave the Chargers. “I think you can kind of see how they’ve been building the team so far this offseason,” he said. “Went out and drafted a tackle first round, brought in some bigger backs over from Baltimore. So it’s like, hey, they want a guy they can hand the ball off to 300 times a year and, look, I haven’t had that capacity to do that. That’s not my game. That’s not how Austin Ekeler’s gonna be the best on the field. So there was the misalignment there, which, no harm, no foul, I’m going to go find somewhere else where Austin can be the best version of myself out there.”

Austin Ekeler leaves the Chargers after the team’s new brass opted for a different running back profile

Ekeler’s comments offer a glimpse into the Chargers’ plans for their running game. Under Jim Harbaugh, the team seems to be prioritizing a power element, which is reflected in the addition of Edwards. However, it’s unlikely that the Chargers will rely on a single back to carry the load, especially if Dobbins proves healthy. Instead, we can expect a committee approach, with multiple backs sharing the workload.

Gus Edwards brings a power element to the Chargers’ running game

Meanwhile, Ekeler has found a new home with the Washington Commanders, where he’ll serve as a pass-catching and change-of-pace option in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Alongside power back Brian Robinson and second-year RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Ekeler will look to revive his production after an injury-plagued season last year.

Ekeler joins the Washington Commanders as a pass-catching and change-of-pace option

The Ekeler saga serves as a reminder that the NFL is a business, and sometimes, players and teams simply don’t align. But for Ekeler, the misalignment has led to a new opportunity, and for the Chargers, it’s a chance to reshape their running game in a way that suits their new coaching staff.