Austin Ekeler Says Tom Brady Would Be 'A Good Fit' with Chargers in Free Agency

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler said Tuesday that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would be a "good fit" for the organization in free agency.

Ekeler, who recently signed a four-year, $24.5 million contract extension with the Bolts, referenced the departures of quarterback Philip Rivers and offensive lineman Russell Okung as a key reason Brady's leadership would be welcomed in L.A.

"It's an opportunity for people to step up, but if you bring a guy like Tom Brady in the room, he's been there, done that," Ekeler said on the NFL Network's Total Access (via CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr). "He's already got the leadership qualities, and he's already proven that he's a winner. So hey, let's build something around that, too."

The 24-year-old Western State product expressed confidence the Chargers are prepared to contend whether or not they land Brady, though.

"I feel like we have the pieces to make a run regardless," Ekeler said. "I feel like that void is there; it's going to be filled by somebody. But we just have the talent around him, whoever that person is, to make him successful."

The NFL's balance of power is likely to shift this offseason with the most crowded quarterback carousel in recent memory.

Along with Brady and Rivers, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater and Marcus Mariota are also set to hit the open market March 18.

The Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott and New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees can also become free agents, but neither is expected to leave their teams. The Cowboys would use the franchise tag to keep Prescott if necessary, and Brees declared he's "Who Dat Nation for life."

Los Angeles does have Tyrod Taylor, who spent three years as a starter with the Buffalo Bills, under contract for next year as a safety net. A serious push for a more accomplished option like Brady will be necessary if the Chargers want to push themselves into the group of championship contenders.

The Bolts (+600) were listed with the fourth-best odds in the Brady sweepstakes behind the Patriots (-125), Tennessee Titans (+380) and Oakland Raiders (+500), per FanDuel.

He'll be eligible to sign with any team when the new league year begins.