Ekeler and the Chargers discussed a contract extension but talks didn't progress, ESPN reported, resulting in the 2017 undrafted free agent asking for another avenue to a payday.
Ekeler, 27, caught 107 passes for 722 yards and rushed for 915 yards on 204 carries with a total of 18 touchdowns in 2022. He scored 20 combined touchdowns in 2021 and has four consecutive seasons with 50-plus receptions.
General manager Tom Telesco wasn't keen on the idea of parting with Ekeler. Grouping him with Keenan Allen and other "good players," Telesco said he would prefer to keep the RB when discussing the team's salary cap standing at the NFL Scouting Combine last month.