Chargers smart to sign Austin Ekeler for next quarterback

The Los Angeles Chargers paid the right running back.

With Melvin Gordon slated to hit the open market, general manager Tom Telesco decided to take care of his other back, the restricted free agent in Austin Ekeler.

Last season, the Chargers went a disappointing 5-11, finishing last in the AFC West. Gordon was one of the larger factors, rushing for 612 yards on 3.8 yards per carry after missing the first four weeks in a protracted holdout. Meanwhile, Ekeler was one of the team’s bright spots, rushing for 557 yards on 4.2 YPC, but more importantly catching 92 passes for 993 yards and eight scores.

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With Philip Rivers heading to free agency after being Los Angeles’ quarterback for the past 16 years, new blood will come in at the most important position football has. What better security blanket — especially if it ends up being a rookie — than a sure-handed, pass-catching back such as Ekeler?

The former D-II star came into the league as an undrafted free agent for the Chargers, and he’s more than shown his worth. In three years, Ekeler went from long shot in training camp to important cog, culminating in a four-year, $24.5 million contract over the weekend.

Ekeler talked about what his journey has meant to him with Peter King of NBC Sports:

“One of the things that’s crazy about the NFL is when I got to camp, I’m sitting in a room with guys who make $10 million a year. I see what everyone’s making, and I said, ‘Dang! That’s a lot of money!'” Ekeler said. “That’s why I’m laughing when Cameron tells me about the deal — it just didn’t seem real that I’d be making that money.

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“You know how people say, ‘More money, more problems.’ I think money exemplifies your true character. It’s going to bring out the person I truly am. I live in the moment. The best chance you have to succeed is living in the moment — nothing matters except what you do to be better now. That’s who I am. That’s who I’ll continue to be.”

The Chargers will look different next season with a new signal-caller, but having a reliable face behind him ought to do wonders for a franchise trying to find its way in the tough AFC West.

Ekeler, along with wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, will be of paramount importance for a turnaround to happen in Los Angeles come the 2020 season.