Running back Austin Ekeler plans to join the Washington Commanders on a 2-year deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday.
Ekeler has spent his entire seven-year career with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former undrafted free agent will be reunited with former Los Angeles coach Anthony Lynn — Washington’s run game coordinator and running backs coach.
The Western Colorado University product established himself as an every-down back for his rushing, blocking and pass-catching abilities with the Chargers. He has amassed more than 4,300 yards on the ground and 3,800 receiving yards in his career.
The Commanders had a hole at running back — former third-down back Antonio Gibson agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots on Monday, Schefter said.
The 28-year-old Ekeler joins Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez in Washington’s running back room.
Though teams could begin negotiations on Monday, deals can not be finalized until the new league year begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Ekeler joins a host of free agent acquisitions for the Commanders — linebacker Frankie Luvu and former Dallas Cowboys Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstrong agreed to deals on Monday.
New general manager Adam Peters entered the negotiating period with a league-leading $91.5 million in cap space, allowing the team plenty of flexibility as they look to rebuild their roster.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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