Set to be a restricted free agent, the LA Chargers extended running back Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract extension on March 6. The deal guaranteed Ekeler $13.75 million at signing, including his $6 million signing bonus, his $1.5 million 2020 base salary, his $4.25 million 2021 base salary, and a $2 million roster bonus.
Should Ekeler remain on the team after 2021, he has a $6.5 million and a $7.25 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons. Does that make Ekeler a “bargain”?
One of the most interesting things about running backs who are similar to Austin Ekeler is that the NFL doesn’t want them.