Chargers’ Austin Ekeler says he’s not mad about lack of contract extension

COSTA MESA — When the Chargers gathered for their two-day mandatory minicamp Tuesday and Wednesday, running back Austin Ekeler was on the field, a sign that all was right in their world and his, too, after he injected a degree of uncertainty into the off-season by seeking a trade.

Talks for a contract extension with the Chargers broke down months ago, prompting Ekeler to ask for and receive permission for a trade elsewhere. When nothing materialized, a compromise was struck last month and the Chargers added $1.75 million in incentives to the final year of his contract.

What happens for him beyond the 2023 season remains to be determined.

What was significant this week was that he was on the field with his teammates.

“Regardless of what happens here – whether I think it’s fair or not – look, I’m going to try to put myself in the best position I can while I’m here, but I’m also doing that off the field, as well,” Ekeler said Wednesday. “So, I’ve kept a pretty open mind, a forward-looking outlook about it.

“I’m not mad. I’m not mad about the situation or anything like that.”

Coach Brandon Staley, among others, was pleased to see Ekeler this week.

“Austin is just how he always is, so consistent,” Staley said. “He hasn’t been here (for optional OTAs the past three weeks) and you’re wondering what’s going on, and then he comes out here and he just lights it up. He’s in such great shape. He’s such a professional on top of his assignments.

“We all know who Austin Ekeler is, but you never take him for granted because he showed up and it was great to see him.”

As in the past, Ekeler skipped the Chargers’ OTAs, which are voluntary practices, but he arrived on time and ready to work Tuesday. He worked out on his own and was prepared for new terms and new strategies with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore installing his new system during minicamp.

Training camp begins in late July, and the Chargers open the regular season Sept. 10.

Ekeler said his focus was on football and making the most of what looms as the final year with the Chargers. His four-year, $24.5-million contract expires when this coming season ends. He was due for an extension, but the Chargers joined other NFL teams in declining to extend a new deal to a top running back.

In addition to Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor are among other top NFL running backs seeking new contracts. Barkley and the New York Giants are locked in a contract standoff, for instance. Cook was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings, for another example.

Jacobs hasn’t signed his contract tender from the Las Vegas Raiders after he became a franchise tag recipient after leading the league in rushing last season. Taylor is entering the final season of his contract with the Indianapolis Colts. He set a franchise rushing record in the 2021 season.

“I was in an opportunity to try to capture some more value with the year I came off of and kind of the reputation I had grown for myself and wanted to exploit those and try to find those,” Ekeler said, referring to leading the NFL in total touchdowns for the second consecutive season with 18 last season.

Ekeler, who turned 28 on May 17, set career highs with 915 rushing yards on 204 carries and 13 TDs on the ground during the 2022 season, one year after he gained 911 yards on 206 carries and scored 12 of his league-leading 20 TDs on the ground. He’s been the Chargers’ top rusher for three consecutive seasons.

“Obviously, with the Chargers, the negotiations stopped, so we tried to go find it somewhere else,” he said of seeking a trade that never materialized. “It just wasn’t happening with the atmosphere around the running back (contract) market. It’s been pretty tough, and I ended up coming back here.

“I’m thankful for the way it played out because the Chargers did give me something in the middle, some kind of incentive. I am very appreciative of that because they did not have to do that. I understand there’s a business side to all of this, but I wouldn’t be doing myself a service if I wasn’t trying to find more value while I can. All of us have a shelf life and you have to maximize it while you can.”