NFL Rumors: Chargers Won't Tag Austin Ekeler; RB Expected to Explore Free Agency

Running back Austin Ekeler will reportedly be available this offseason.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers are not expected to place the franchise tag on Ekeler. That means he can become a free agent and sign with whichever team offers him the best deal.

It seems as if a pattern is emerging at the position, as Schefter also reported the New York Giants are not expected to place the $12.1 million tag on Saquon Barkley, the Dallas Cowboys are not expected to place the same tag on Tony Pollard and the Tennessee Titans are not expected to place it on Derrick Henry.

What's more, the Las Vegas Raiders are not expected to place a $14.1 million tag on Josh Jacobs but would like to re-sign him.

The lack of new long-term deals for running backs was a major topic of discussion last offseason. Ekeler was quite involved, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported in July 2023 that he organized a Zoom meeting for "disgruntled NFL running backs" to discuss the current state of the position.

While having a star running back is an advantage, the unfortunate reality of the position for the players is it is rather replaceable at the top level as long as the offensive line is creating holes up front.

With that as the backdrop and the sheer number of high-profile running backs expected to hit free agency this offseason, it may be difficult for Ekeler and others to land the types of long-term contracts they are surely hoping for ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Ekeler can at least fall back on his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

He isn't far removed from the 2022 season that saw him tally 107 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns along with 915 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Those were career-best numbers in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and catches, although he didn't reach the 993 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches he posted in 2019.

Had Ekeler finished with those types of numbers again in 2023, he might be in line for a massive deal.

However, he saw a drop in production on the way to 628 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns along with 51 catches for 436 yards and one touchdown.

Ekeler will also turn 29 years old this offseason, but some teams will surely want to take a chance given some of the numbers he has put up in the past.