Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers star asks for permission to seek trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 3/13/23

The Los Angeles Chargers may be dealing with a disgruntled superstar.

Austin Ekeler’s agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday that the star running back asked for permission to seek a trade.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension did not progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023

Ekeler is entering the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million extension he signed with the Chargers prior to the 2020 season. He is due $6.25 million in base salary and drastically underpaid given how he has produced over the past two seasons.

Ekeler has had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage in each of the past two seasons. He scored a total of 18 touchdowns in 2022 after finding the end zone 20 times the year before. The 27-year-old has been the focal point of the Chargers offense, so it is hardly a surprise that he wants a big raise.

The Chargers have had some salary cap issues and will likely need to sign quarterback Justin Herbert to a massive extension this offseason. General manager Tom Telesco recently shot down trade rumors surrounding another star player, so it will be interesting to see where he stands with Ekeler.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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