Austin Ekeler concerned about running back contracts, says RBs bring ‘more value’ to teams than backup WRs

Los Angeles Chargers star operating again Austin Ekeler has been vocal about his displeasure over his contract with the group. The dispute appeared to succeed in its peak in March, when Ekler was granted permission by the Chargers to hunt a commerce.

Nonetheless, the 2 sides got here to a brief decision earlier this offseason, when the Chargers reportedly added $1.75 million in incentives to his deal for 2023.

However, Ekler apparently isn’t glad about how his fellow operating backs are being valued throughout the NFL. Throughout a latest look on the “Wealthy Eisen Present,” Ekeler recommended that the manufacturing some operating backs carry to their respective groups is being taken with no consideration.

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He concedes there are two sides to the difficulty to think about, however that the worth query is a significant sticking level in contract negotiations.

“We’re in a enterprise and I believe either side try to play the sport the most effective they’ll And that is what’s being performed out proper in entrance of our eyes,” Ekeler mentioned. “You realize we’ve got our possession who’s answerable for our wage caps, they management that portion of it… we management the play and its up for us as gamers so as to add as a lot worth as we are able to.”

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Regardless of going undrafted in 2017 out of Western Colorado, Ekeler has had a productive NFL career and has helped redefine the operating again place.

Ekeler expressed frustration over how his place was being handled, particularly because it pertains to different positions.

Los Angeles Chargers operating again Austin Ekeler (Michael Hickey/Getty Photos, File)

“If I am taking a look at a number of the backup receivers out right here which can be nonetheless making greater than me, that is going to p–s me off, proper? I am slightly bit like, ‘OK, wait a minute, so that you’re telling me these individuals are the No. 3 receivers and they are going to make greater than me? And I am the starter? I get extra carries, I contact the ball extra, I’ve extra of an influence,” he mentioned.

“It causes us to query, proper? We’ll struggle for that. I am bringing extra worth to the group than this particular person. I believe I must be compensated for that. … It looks as if it is about cash, however it’s about ideas. It is concerning the precept of including worth to a group.”

Los Angeles Chargers operating again Austin Ekeler carries the ball towards the Jacksonville Jaguars in the course of the first half of an AFC Wild Card playoff recreation at TIAA Financial institution Discipline, Jan. 14, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Photos, File)

Ekeler additionally talked about the conditions of two-time New York Giants Professional Bowler Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders operating again Josh Jacobs, and mentioned they have been in search of correct compensation after their respective sturdy seasons in 2022.

From Ekeler’s standpoint, it is sensible that star operating backs are pushing again throughout contract negotiations.

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“Once we don’t get that, completely, we’re going to struggle again,” Ekeler informed Eisen.

“We’ve no selection. … It looks as if it’s about cash, however it’s about precept, proper? It’s concerning the precept of including worth to a group. However then I additionally get it from the opposite facet. They’re like, ‘Hey, none of those different operating backs are getting paid. Let’s simply see what occurs. Let’s franchise tag these guys, after which let’s wait a yr. Let’s see what occurs.’ … Either side are taking part in this recreation, and the way it seems, time will inform.”