Los Angeles Chargers star explains recent trade demands: ‘I’m so underpaid right now’
Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler does not want to leave the team, but his recent trade request is all about getting fair value for his efforts after outplaying his current contract.
While NFL free agency dominated the headlines for the league last week, one of the more notable stories had nothing to do with a talented player available on the free agent market. Instead, it was the revelation that dual-threat back Austin Ekeler had surprisingly asked for a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers, and then the news that the organization gave him and his agent permission to seek out a new home on the trade market.
While the news was surprising, it was not completely unexpected. The 27-year-old reportedly had been in talks with the organization for some time on a contract extension, but the conversation did not progress and if leaving meant earning fair value then he wanted to pursue that avenue. And that thought process is understandable.
- Austin Ekeler stats (2022): 1,637 total yards, 107 receptions, 18 total TD
