The Chargers began their 2023 voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday. Nearly all players were in attendance, but there was one notable who was not: running back Austin Ekeler.
Despite being absent, head coach Brandon Staley said he expects Ekeler to participate in mandatory minicamp, which begins on June 13.
Ekeler is seeking a new contract as he is in the final year of his current deal and is set to make $6.2 million this season.
Los Angeles granted Ekeler and his agent permission to seek a trade partner earlier this month after negotiations on a contract extension did not progress.
Ekeler believes the product that he has put on the field is worth garnering a paycheck that puts him near the top of the running back market. He has 38 total touchdowns in the past two seasons, the most among NFL skill players in that timeframe.
Ekeler is an extremely valuable piece, but his positional value might not be considered important enough by Los Angeles or other teams to pay him more.
It will be interesting to see if the Bolts budge and decide to iron out some extension for Ekeler or if he chooses to hold in and threaten to sit out.
