The Los Angeles Chargers could be a surprise team in the running back market this offseason. They have one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league on their roster in Austin Ekeler, but how much longer he is part of the franchise is anyone’s guess.

Ekeler was given permission earlier in the offseason to seek a trade after contract extension talks with the Chargers didn’t go too well. No team has stepped up to the plate as of yet, as the free agent pool was deep this offseason. But if Ekeler is truly available, eventually a team will look to make a move for him.

Depending on what comes back to Los Angeles in the deal, a huge void will be left in the backfield. Ekeler’s pass-catching skills are elite and he gets the job done as a runner as well. Without him, the Chargers have Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller and Larry Rountree on their running back depth chart.

There is certainly some potential to be unlocked with that trio, as Kelley is the elder statesman heading into Year 3 as a professional. Whether Ekeler is traded or not, this is a team that could probably use a little more experience in the backfield.

One potential target for the Chargers could be Kareem Hunt. Hunt requested a trade from the Browns last season but that wasn’t fulfilled. He has been splitting time with Nick Chubb on the Cleveland Browns for the last four seasons and was seeking an opportunity to become a featured back again. 

That has not yet presented itself, but if Ekeler is traded, the Chargers would be an excellent landing spot for him. Hunt has shown previously that he is capable of being an every-down back. He was used mostly as a pass catcher with the Browns, but earlier in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, he handled and excelled in the starting role.

There is a chance that Hunt is the best running back remaining on the free agent market. Even if the Chargers are seeking out a player that can complement Ekeler with a little more experience than the players they currently have, Hunt would fit the bill for them.

There were some struggles in 2022 to get going on the ground, but the ability is there for a bounce-back season. Given the fact that he has split time the last four seasons, Hunt should have more in the tank to offer than your normal going-on 28-year-old running back in the NFL.