Los Angeles Chargers inexplicably let Austin Ekeler look for a trade

I strongly agree that it’s best to by no means pay a dealer for all of the cliché arguments that associate with it. However there are exceptions to each rule, like when a operating again is extra receiver than Derrick Henry. Quarterbacks like to have standout guys on their group, and as one may argue, in 2022 Austin Ekeler was to Justin Herbert what Travis Kelce is to Patrick Mahomes.

Therefore the information that Los Angeles is, predictably, let Ekeler look for a trade as a result of its proprietor is a infamous tightwad that San Diegans hate like J. Jonah Jameson hates Spider-Man. Like their views on poor folks normally, the Angels are apathetic in the direction of Dean Spanos, so they do not have an opinion on the Chargers both.

That being mentioned, I do fear about Herbert as a result of he is extra enjoyable when proficient quarterbacks aren’t caught on poor groups.

Ekeler is a QB’s greatest pal.

The seven-year professional led the NFL in receptions by a operating again in 2022, catching 107 balls, 22 greater than the subsequent closest participant (Christian McCaffrey, 85). The Chargers restructured Keenan Allen’s deal final week, and for what? So they might commerce the quarterback’s favourite goal? Mike Williams led the group in yards, which is why it was so tragic when he acquired harm in a wanton motion on the finish of the yr, and the 628th motive Brandon Staley must be fired*, however Ekeler had 44 extra grabs that he. and 35 greater than the subsequent closest Bolt.

(*Staley nonetheless has a job as a result of Spanos is simply too low-cost to fireplace him.)

Justin Herbert is the primary motive why pundits are optimistic about Chargers soccer. That is all. They’ve some good guys, often with nice abilities, and Ekeler has confirmed to be nice since assuming the No. 1 function. There are well being points, positive, however he solely had 204 carries a yr in the past, which ranks twentieth within the league.

If you’d like your franchise quarterback to belief the group and develop inside it, it actually helps to maintain your hearth exit. Ekeler’s worth is nearly as essential within the air as he’s on the bottom, and due to this fact might be undervalued just because he isn’t within the broad receiver market.

I wrote a column in preseason predicting that Ekeler would crash as a result of one of many The highest 5 fantasy operating backs all the time do.**. He had his most yards from scrimmage as a professional. (My mistake.) Pay that man (Ekeler) his money.

(**Jonathan Taylor was your prime 5 lemons).

At any time when Herbert wanted to get again to 3rd and driveable, or convert third and driveable, he all the time appeared for Ekeler’s approach. It is a particular bond between quarterback and receiver, one I am struggling to discover a metaphor for. So, umm, fuck off, San Diego?