Former Chargers 69-TD running back predicted to make shocking return to team

The Los Angeles Chargers have a brand new running back room in preparation for the 2025 NFL season, but could the team still be looking to add another option?

After signing Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton, many would argue that the team doesn't need much more. But depth is a necessity in the NFL and the team doesn't have much behind those two players. 

After one season with the Washington Commanders, Austin Ekeler has been named a potential cut candidate before the season starts. If that were to happen, Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports sees his former team, the Chargers, taking another shot on him. 

"Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games with a powerful run, so why not a reunion? It doesn’t have to be long-term, as 2025 draft pick Omarion Hampton is probably the future of this Chargers run game. Veteran Najee Harris will hope to at least carve out a backup role as he’s on for a one-year deal. However, Ekeler could do more than run the ball and could be another viable pass-catcher for quarterback Justin Herbert in crucial moments", wrote Palacios. 

The last part of what he wrote, regarding Ekeler catching the ball, would be the only reason the Chargers would likely consider this move. Ekeler is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league and he would be a huge upgrade over Kimani Vidal in the No. 3 running back/third-down back role. 

Palacios also mentioned the Saints, Cowboys and Ravens as teams that could sign Ekeler, but the Chargers are easily the most interesting team on the list. 

Ekeler came to the Chargers as an unknown, undrafted player out of Western Colorado in 2017. Given almost no chance to even make the practice squad, Ekeler worked his way up the depth chart that summer and ended up making the 53-man roster before eventually becoming the team's No. 1 running back. 

He rushed for 4,355 yards and caught 440 passes while scoring 69 total touchdowns in seven seasons with the team. But following the 2022 season, Ekeler wasn't happy with his current deal and asked for an extension. When that was denied, he requested a trade. 

A trade never materialized and Ekeler played out his contract with the Chargers, having his worst season with the team. It seemed all but certain he would leave in free agency and he did, latching on with the Commanders. 

Ekeler was not real popular within the fanbase following his departure and these comments made on a recent podcast appearance show there is likely still some contention between Ekeler and the Chargers, putting the prediction made by Palacios as a highly unlikely scenario. 

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