Chargers' Austin Ekeler's Best Potential Fits amid Latest NFL Trade Rumors

After spending his first six NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Austin Ekeler could soon be on the move for the first time in his career. At least that's what the 27-year-old running back wants.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chargers have granted Ekeler permission for his agent, Cameron Weiss, to seek a trade after he and the team "failed to make progress for a new contract." NFL Network's Bridget Condon reported that Ekeler's primary objective in exploring a trade is so he "receives market value for his next contract."

Ekeler has a $7.75 million cap hit for the 2023 season, which is the final year of his current contract. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

If Los Angeles is willing to deal Ekeler, where should he try to go? Here's a look at several teams that could be potential fits.

Buffalo Bills

Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: The Buffalo Bills logo is seen on the field prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

An Ekeler trade could be the move that pushes the Bills to the next level. They're going to be Super Bowl contenders in 2023 either way, but the dual-threat running back would upgrade an offense that already ranks among the best in the NFL.

Buffalo has a dynamic passing attack led by quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The team's running game hasn't been quite as strong in recent years, as Devin Singletary (819 yards and five touchdowns on the ground) was its leading rusher in 2022.

Allen is an MVP-caliber player, and he'd likely fare even better if he could utilize a back as talented as Ekeler in the passing game. Plus, Allen wouldn't have to be responsible for carrying as much of the load if he could lean on Ekeler to run the ball effectively.

The Bills have about $8.5 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap. So they should have enough financial flexibility to make an Ekeler deal happen if they're interested—and it would be quite wise if they are.

Carolina Panthers

Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 06: A Carolina Panthers helmet sits during the game against the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 6, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What better way to put a rookie quarterback in a position to succeed than by acquiring a running back as talented as Ekeler? The Panthers could have an inexperienced QB under center in 2023, considering they're likely to take one with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft (which they acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears).

Carolina no longer has a star back after it dealt Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2022 season. It also could be losing D'Onta Foreman, who is an unrestricted free agent. That leaves Chuba Hubbard as the team's top returning RB.

The Panthers are lacking offensive playmakers, especially after sending wide receiver DJ Moore to the Bears in the return package for the No. 1 pick. Even if they decide to start veteran Andy Dalton (who they signed in free agency) at quarterback over a rookie, he's not in the best position to excel, either.

Ekeler would immediately make Carolina's offense much more formidable in regard to both the passing and running games. With $15.6 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap, the Panthers are among the teams that should be most interested in an Ekeler trade.

Chicago Bears

Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 18: A detail view of a Chicago Bears helmet is seen in action during a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears on December 18, 2022, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Bears should be in the market for a new No. 1 running back. That's because David Montgomery is signing a three-year, $18 million deal with the Detroit Lions, per Schefter, as he'll be on the move after spending his first four NFL seasons in Chicago.

Could the Bears go into the 2023 season with Khalil Herbert as their starting RB? Possibly. Would their backfield be better if they went out and traded for Ekeler? Definitely.

Chicago's offense is becoming more formidable now that quarterback Justin Fields took major strides in his second NFL season and after the team acquired Moore from Carolina. If the Bears added Ekeler, it would expedite their process of building a strong unit.

Of any team on this list, Chicago is in the best financial position, considering it has $44.9 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap. No team in the NFL has more. And there wouldn't be many better ways for the Bears to use that money than by bringing in a star running back like Ekeler.