Austin Ekeler requests permission to discuss potential trade away from Chargers

L.A. Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is reportedly seeking a route out of town after extension talks failed with the organization, according to Adam Schefter. Ekeler has now requested permission to begin preliminary trade talks, his agent revealed to ESPN.

The Chargers owe the 27-year-old running back $6.25 million in 2023, which is the last year of his contract. He signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal with the team in 2020 after his first season accumulating over 1,000 all-purpose yards.

In 2022, Ekeler had 915 rushing yards on 204 attempts with 13 touchdowns. He also added 722 receiving yards on 107 receptions, including five more scores.

An undrafted free agent coming out of Western Colorado in 2017, Ekeler is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league right now.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially run out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. There are 722 players slated to become free agents in 2023.