NFL Rumors: Eagles named “most logical” landing spot for 2-time NFL touchdown leader
Offseason rumors and the Philadelphia Eagles are pretty much inseparable at this point. If there’s big name set to hit free agency or the trade block, Howie Roseman’s Eagles are almost always in the discussion to possibly land him.
Even if said player plays a position the team historically devalues, like running back. Which brings us to LA Chargers RB Austin Ekeler, who could be dealt this offseason if LA doesn’t want to up his $6.125M price tag.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently laid out all of the possible trade scenarios we could see between now and the NFL Draft in April. In regards to Ekeler, he views the Eagles as the most logical landing spot.
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Ekeler, 27, has been one of the most productive backs in the league over the past two seasons. He led the league in touchdowns each of the past two years, accumulating 38 total touchdowns during that time. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is what really separates him from the Derrick Henry’s of the world. In 2022, he caught over 100 passes for the first time in his career and has tallied 29 receiving touchdowns during his six-year career.
The on-field fit for the Eagles isn’t in question here. Ekeler would be electric behind this offensive line and playing alongside Jalen Hurts. The question is, would the Eagles actually consider it.
As long as the oft-injured Rashaad Penny manages to stay healthy this season, the Eagles backfield should be a force once again in 2023. So with that in mind, I don’t think the Eagles are actively looking to add to the position. But, I will say trading for Ekeler makes way more sense than signing Zeke Elliot or trading for Henry.
Ekeler has 1,200 total touches during his six years in the NFL, which is relatively low for an RB entering his seventh season. For reference, Henry had 1,495 touches after his sixth year. Zeke almost had 2,000 at 1,938. There’s still a lot of tread on Ekeler’s tires and getting placed in a committee backfield would only lengthen his NFL career.
He would also add a legitimate receiving threat to the Eagles backfield, something the team hasn’t had since the days of Brian Westbrook. Ekeler could add another wrinkle to an already exciting, unpredictable offensive attack.
The amount of money Ekeler is looking for would be the deciding factor here. At the very least, I imagine he’s going to want top-10 RB money, which would place him between $10M-$15M annually. Anything over $10M per year at RB is typically a no-go for Howie, but Ekeler is a proven commodity who still has enough juice in the tank to at least make a phone call.
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