The Washington Commanders may wind up parting ways with Austin Ekeler as he may be a potential cut candidate. An ESPN source believes the running back department may be one of the several units that could be revamped. After a surprising 2024 campaign, the Commanders find themselves in a good position with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. They will likely use his rookie deal as leverage to get some of the best talent as they hold the third-most salary cap space, so many should expect the Commanders to improve the offense.
The team brought in Noah Brown, Zach Ertz and Ekeler on one-year deals to bring some life to Daniels’ offense. This was a test to see how they could fit into the rhythm and it paved the way for Ertz. It didn’t excel the way for Ekeler even though he had a few bright spots in the postseason. After suffering a scary injury last campaign, the running back wasn’t able to prove he could be a capable No. 1 back. It’s clear that as he’s aging, the veteran might be better off joining another team that fits into the mold.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2017, he had a lot of promise. However, the Chargers let him go since they didn’t have the cap space to extend him. Despite that, he is easily a rotational weapon that could thrive on a fast-paced offense.
Rebuilding Commanders Leaves Austin Ekeler as Cut Candidate – Ravens, Chargers Logical Fits
New Duo for Henry?
The Baltimore Ravens probably got one of the biggest steals in last year’s free agency, signing Derrick Henry to a two-year deal. It has been paying off but the depth chart behind him looks bleak even with the return of Keaton Mitchell. Ekeler won’t be taking the starting role ahead of Henry but it ensures the Ravens maintain Henry for the postseason. Since Henry still has an injury history, it’s better to invest in a running back like Ekeler who has the same characteristics as Justice Hill.
Perhaps, he and Hill could be beneficial in those play-action dump-offs in certain situations. However, Ekeler is more than just someone who has nice hands but is capable of speeding right through the gaps. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had some issues this past 2024 campaign determining whether to run the ball himself or not. With that, he shouldn’t no longer be complacent and let Ekeler take on those duties while thrives off throwing the football instead.
Back to LA
Ekeler never got the chance to play with Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. Since the running back department looks bleak with J.K. Dobbins a free agent next month, the team should probably bring back the veteran. Gus Edwards has yet to breakout more than 1,000 yards last season but the presence of Ekeler should get the Chargers back in the right direction. Ekeler won’t be taking over the starting job but share the snaps with Edwards if they choose to not re-sign Dobbins.
As of this posting, they have the funds to give Ekeler the contract he was looking for at $63 million in cap space. Even if they bring Dobbins back in the fold, pairing him with Ekeler as another pass catcher should boost the chemistry of Justin Herbert’s offense.
The post Rebuilding Commanders Leaves Running Back as Cut Candidate – Ravens, Chargers Logical Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.