Ekeler: Negotiated Incentives for 2023 Contract Year

[LarryAW]

This is the most accurate post I’ve seen kudos!
I can’t fathom why some think Ekeler was the problem and moving him will make the pass game better. I don’t think they should pay him anymore than 9-10 mill per on a 2 year extension but in my opinion the team is worse without him. I’m not counting on a rookie RB replacing his 1600 plus yards and 17 TDs

Ekeler can get the job done. What this team needs, and what I have wanted for awhile, is a situational, short-yardage back who can get the tough yards inside where there is very little space to run. A complement big back shouldn't require a high draft pick or a lot of $. What it does require, apparently, is a competent GM to find him.

BTW, Ekeler's YAC is the result of his long runs when he finds space. That's awesome, but it's also about getting first downs when there is very little room to run. This is not the primary wheelhouse of any back on this team. Well, I have no clue about Spiller and it would be great+++ if the solution is already here.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Neither McKenzie or Edmonds are free agents.

Did Mckenzie sign?

[Bolt4Knob]

Did Mckenzie sign?

He was a free agent a few hours ago - I do not think he has signed since Buffalo released him.

[CanadianBoltFan]

He was a free agent a few hours ago - I do not think he has signed since Buffalo released him.

Yeah didnt think so. Someone in this thread said he isnt a FA so I thought he might have been signed already.

[Critty]

Holes
RB?
Punt Returner?

[charger1_sj]

Holes
RB?
Punt Returner?

If we keep Ekeler there are no holes in our base system. Meaning we have the starters covered. However we do need a CB in nickel if CJ
doesn't come back. We also need help at:

Edge
DT
Safety
LB

On offense
Short down RB if Ekeler is back, Maybe 2 RBs if Ek is not back
TE
WR
OT, OG, Center (mostly for backup)

Special teams

Punt and KO returner if Carter is not back.
Can use an upgrade at punter, but we just resigned our guy.

I may have missed something.

[Boltjolt]

Did Mckenzie sign?

Says he is signed for 2023, FA in 2024. But then I see an article he was released today ahead of a roster bonus .
Said he also was released because he struggled when given an expanded role, but they signed a WR as well.

OTC must just not be updated.

In any case, for me, he is 5'8",173 lbs. Pass.

[Fouts2herbert]

Says he is signed for 2023, FA in 2024. But then I see an article he was released today ahead of a roster bonus .
Said he also was released because he struggled when given an expanded role, but they signed a WR as well.

OTC must just not be updated.

In any case, for me, he is 5'8",173 lbs. Pass.

Wait, is mckenzie the guy that got suspended by the bills like a year or two ago for a couple of games for some weird incident?

[gzubeck]

That's a brilliant move. Cut him, take a 7.75M cap hit and no Ekeler. Of course they can up the anti. Keep him until after June 1st, then they would pay him $6.25M to cut him and only take a $1.5M cap hit. Absolutely brilliant if you ask me.

Not sure why you think this. I checked the contract online and it says he will only cost $1.5 million if cut. So yes I'm not privy to all the contract details so let let me know. No need to insult as I was assuming he was under the last year of his deal and COULD BE CUT with little recourse.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers/austin-ekeler-22247/

[PhilaBoltster]

If we keep Ekeler there are no holes in our base system. Meaning we have the starters covered. However we do need a CB in nickel if CJ
doesn't come back. We also need help at:

Edge
DT
Safety
LB

On offense
Short down RB if Ekeler is back, Maybe 2 RBs if Ek is not back
TE
WR
OT, OG, Center (mostly for backup)

Special teams

Punt and KO returner if Carter is not back.
Can use an upgrade at punter, but we just resigned our guy.

I may have missed something.

FS
LB

We do not have starting caliber players at those positions.

[Bolt4Knob]

FS
LB

We do not have starting caliber players at those positions.

Exactly

And the team still needs speed at WR. And a TE

Kendricks will help
JJ3 could help

[Maniaque 6]

Ekeler at 6M or J. Williams at 4 ?

Williams also garnered a franchise-record and league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Along with his nose for the end zone, he produced the first 1,000-yard season of his career. Williams earned a base salary of $3.75 million from the Lions last year. He inked a three-year, $12 million deal with $8 million guaranteed to join New Orleans, which is still very much in the same area code as his last season's earnings in Detroit.