The Washington Commanders signed running back Austin Ekeler in free agency, and the veteran says that the Commanders brought him aboard for reasons beyond his play on the field.
“They were definitely the most interested, and I think that comes down to the situation in the running back room,” Ekeler said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “They have B-Rob (Brian Robinson), and if we can bring another back to add to that tandem and bring some leadership to the team, that’s why I thought it was a good fit.”
Washington could certainly use an experienced presence like Ekeler in its locker room, particularly after a disastrous 2023 campaign in which the team went just 4-13.
Of course, Ekeler will also score some points for the Commanders, as well.
“I’ll score some touchdowns for you, that’s for sure, if you get me in the red zone and find a way to get me the ball in some space,” Ekeler said.
The question is, how much does Ekeler have left in the tank?
This past season, he rushed for 628 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a meager 3.5 yards per carry. He added 51 catches for 436 yards and a score.
That came after Ekeler led the league in total touchdowns in back-to-back campaigns. In 2022, he registered 915 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rusher, logging 4.5 yards per attempt. In addition, he hauled in 107 receptions for 722 yards while reaching the end zone five times.
Ekeler, who played his collegiate football at Western State, went undrafted but landed with the Chargers in 2017.
After a couple of uneventful seasons to begin his career, Ekeler broke out in 2019, recording 557 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while catching 92 passes for 993 yards and eight scores.
The 28-year-old had been a versatile weapon for Los Angeles ever since, but he absolutely showed signs of a serious decline in 2023.
Washington is obviously hoping that Austin Ekeler will recapture his prior form next season.
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