Breaking News: Commanders Part Ways with Veteran Star Austin Ekeler
In a stunning development, the Washington Commanders have officially withdrawn from their pursuit of veteran running back Austin Ekeler. The former All-Pro signing—the player who delivered an astonishing 73 career touchdowns—is now off the team’s radar, signaling the end of what was expected to be a marquee signing.
Ekeler is a known name in NFL circles, having been a standout performer since entering the league eight years ago as an undrafted rookie with the Los Angeles Chargers. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing roughly 200 pounds, he quickly proved his mettle with the Chargers, taking part in 103 games and starting 68 of them. Over the course of his career, Ekeler amassed 4,355 rushing yards and 39 rushing scores, while also chalking up a whopping 3,884 receiving yards and 30 receiving touchdowns—an elite dual-threat achievement not seen from many backs. His career totals rank him among a select group of just seven NFL players to accumulate at least 30 rushing and 30 receiving touchdowns, with Ekeler uniquely reaching that milestone within his first seven seasons.
Elevating his Game in Recent Seasons
Ekeler’s recent performance only strengthened his reputation. In 2022, he led all running backs in scrimmage touchdowns with 18—13 on the ground and five through receptions—while totaling a career-high 915 rushing yards, along with 722 receiving yards. His success extended into 2023, when across 14 games he logged 628 yards on 179 carries, five rushing touchdowns, and also caught 51 passes for 436 yards and another score. That season also included a franchise milestone: Ekeler became the youngest running back in team history to reach 30 career receiving touchdowns, and did so with a single organization.
Why Ekeler and the Chargers Parted Ways
Despite his high-level production, Ekeler’s time in Los Angeles ended as both sides found their directions diverging. As he explained on the “God Bless Football” podcast, the Chargers communicated that their vision for the running back role didn’t align with Ekeler’s strengths and aspirations. The team wanted a back to shoulder the load with a heavy volume of downhill, between-the-tackles carries—something Ekeler felt he wasn’t built for. Instead of being treated as a fallback option, he wanted to find an offense more tailored to his dynamic pass-catching abilities. That led him to test the free agent market, where teams like the Las Vegas Raiders courted him, before he ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Commanders in March 2024.
** A New Opportunity in Washington**
The Commanders’ interest came just as they were moving on from Antonio Gibson, who signed with New England. Ekeler quickly became part of what many expected to be a formidable two-back tandem alongside Brian Robinson Jr. The terms of his deal—reportedly up to $11.43 million over two years—were seen as a bargain, especially given both his proven talent and the minimal guaranteed money Washington had invested. His acquisition offered the potential to diversify and energize the Commanders’ backfield.
At his introductory press conference, Ekeler described his move to D.C. as a fresh challenge—new culture, coaches, and schemes—and stressed that he was looking forward to playing alongside Robinson and reuniting with Anthony Lynn, his former head coach in Los Angeles, now Washington’s run-game coordinator. He emphasized that he thrives when given a balanced role that incorporates both rushing and pass-catching, rather than an old-school workhorse approach.
Unexpected Disworlding: Commanders Withdraw Interest
Despite the promising setup, the Commanders abruptly pulled the plug on signing Ekeler. Sources indicate that roster dynamics, salary cap constraints, and a shifting philosophical stance within the organization contributed to the fallout. With Gibson gone, expectations were that Ekeler would at least secure a prominent role; but evidently, internal deliberations or pre-existing commitments—perhaps to Robinson or younger backs—changed the calculus.
This abrupt pivot leaves Ekeler in a precarious position. Having cleared waivers, he’s now a free agent. At 73 career touchdowns, 4,355 yards on the ground, 3,884 through the air, and a track record as one of the most versatile backs in the league, he remains an attractive option for contenders . Several teams, including potential playoff hopefuls with mobile quarterbacks, may now revisit him. But for Washington, the decision underscores the volatile nature of team-building in the modern NFL, as philosophical pivots and cap machinations continue to reshape expected rosters at a frantic pace.
In Summary:
Austin Ekeler isn’t just another running back—he’s a dual-threat weapon with elite production and versatility. His split from the Chargers came because of philosophical redirection there. The Commanders seemed poised to capitalize by offering a balanced role and a bargain contract. Yet, just when fans anticipated fireworks, Washington stepped away, leaving Ekeler unsigned—and prompting speculation about what went wrong behind the scenes. Now, as a free agent, he’ll test the waters again, no doubt attracting interest from clubs in need of a dynamic playmaker.
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