Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, who played at Eaton High and Western State, agreed to a four-year, $24.5 million contract Friday, according to an ESPN report.
The deal reportedly includes $15 million guaranteed. The Chargers are committing long-term to Ekeler and are expected to allow Melvin Gordon to depart in free agency later this month.
Ekeler turns 25 on May 17, meaning he could hit the market for his age-29 season in 2024. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this month.
In 2019, Ekeler’s 92 catches (no drops) were 10th in the NFL and his 993 receiving yards were 31st – both totals were second among running backs behind fellow Coloradoan Christian McCaffrey (116 catches-1,005 yards).