PHOENIX -- Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley expressed respect and patience for running back Austin Ekeler, despite Ekeler's request to explore trade options as he enters the final season of his contract.
"The respect for Austin, I think from our side of things is at the highest they could be for a player," Staley said Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting. "The position that he's in, we're certainly respectful of and I think there's been communication with his team and so we're understanding of that position."
Staley also said that contract discussions have begun with quarterback Justin Herbert, who became eligible to sign an extension after the season.