In a shocking turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys and their head coach, Mike McCarthy, have set their sights on Austin Ekeler. The talented running back, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, is being considered as a potential addition to the Cowboys’ roster.
Sources close to the team reveal that McCarthy is highly impressed with Ekeler’s skills and believes he would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ offense. With his speed, agility, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, Ekeler could provide a much-needed boost to the Cowboys’ ground game.
The rumors of this potential move have sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Ekeler has been a standout player for the Chargers, consistently proving himself as a threat both on the ground and in the passing game. His versatility and playmaking ability have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
If the Cowboys were to acquire Ekeler, it would undoubtedly be a game-changer for their offense. With star quarterback Dak Prescott leading the way, the addition of Ekeler could give the Cowboys a dynamic and explosive offensive attack.
While it remains to be seen whether this potential move will come to fruition, Cowboys fans are already buzzing with excitement. The prospect of adding a player of Ekeler’s caliber to their team is certainly tantalizing.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Cowboys and their pursuit of Austin Ekeler. Will McCarthy be able to convince the Chargers to part ways with their star running back? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain – if the Cowboys are able to secure Ekeler, it could be a game-changer for their 2021 season.
The Dallas Cowboys are poised to make a big move in free agency by signing a highly underrated player in the NFL. According to Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, the Cowboys could be a potential landing spot for Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is set to become a free agent, and it seems that his time with the Chargers is coming to an end. In fact, Ekeler himself acknowledged this after the Chargers’ regular-season finale in January, stating, “I’m not going to be with these guys anymore, and it’s one of those journeys that I’ll always remember.”
Kenyon suggests that the Cowboys could offer Ekeler a contract in the range of $7 to $8 million per year. Despite some injury concerns, Ekeler remains a valuable and versatile back when he is healthy. The question now is how the 28-year-old running back will prioritize his role, money, and the potential for team contention as he enters what is likely the final lucrative contract of his career. The Cowboys, for example, may be willing to make a significant financial splash to secure his services.
It is evident that Ekeler will be one of the most sought-after running backs on the free agent market. However, what remains unclear is the extent of his market value as he enters his age-29 season coming off a relatively inefficient year. In the 2023 season, Ekeler recorded just 628 rushing yards on 179 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He also had five rushing touchdowns, 51 receptions for 436 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. This is a significant drop in production compared to his 2022 season, where he accumulated 915 rushing yards on 204 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, along with 13 rushing touchdowns and 107 receptions for 722 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Despite his consistent high level of production, Ekeler has never been selected to a Pro Bowl, and he has struggled to secure the long-term contract extension he desires. After contract extension talks were dismissed by the Chargers in April, Ekeler expressed his disappointment, feeling like he had been “punched in the face.” Eventually, he agreed to a restructured deal in May, which included $1.75 million in incentives. Unfortunately, due to his reduced role in the Chargers’ offense, Ekeler failed to meet any of those performance-based incentives.
According to Spotrac, Ekeler’s market value is estimated at $7.4 million per year over a three-season span, totaling more than $22 million. This raises the question of what the Cowboys’ plans are for the running back position. While they have the option to bring back Tony Pollard, who was given the franchise tag worth slightly over $10 million for the 2023 season, Pollard has not proven to be efficient as a sole lead back. He averaged just 4.0 yards per carry this past season and struggled in short-yardage and goal line situations, scoring only six total touchdowns.
Alternatively, the Cowboys could choose to pursue Ekeler, who has been one of the NFL’s top red zone threats and dual-threat backs in recent years. With other notable running backs like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and D’Andre Swift also hitting the free agent market, there will be plenty of options available. However, Ekeler could be the ideal candidate for the Cowboys as they look to shake things up and improve their running game.
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