The Los Angeles Rams don’t have to look far for a running back capable of backing up Kyren Williams in 2024, as it has been proposed that the team pursue Austin Ekeler, who is due to enter free agency for the first time in his NFL career.
According to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, transferring to the Los Angeles Rams would benefit Ekeler because he would not have to relocate to a new place and would no longer be responsible for becoming one of the team’s top offensive performers.
“Ekeler could be a nice complement to the (Kyren Williams) punishing running style and add versatility to head coach Sean McVay’s backfield as a receiver that could lighten Williams’ workload,” Podell said in a statement. “That arrangement would be mutually beneficial to both Williams and Ekeler.”
Jim Harbaugh indicated a few weeks ago that he was interested in re-signing Austin Ekeler to a new contract this summer. However, if they fail to do so, the Los Angeles Rams are likely to be interested.
How would Austin Ekeler fit with the Los Angeles Rams?
Sean McVay hasn’t had a dual-threat running back since Todd Gurley in his prime, and Austin Ekeler could conceivably fill the role. Austin Ekeler had his greatest season in 2022, totaling 915 rushing yards and 722 receiving yards for 18 touchdowns (13 rushing, five receiving).
In 2023, however, Ekeler is coming off a disappointing year by his lofty standards, having recorded 628 running yards and 436 receiving yards for six touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving), despite the fact that the Western Colorado graduate missed three games due to injury.
Austin Ekeler will divide duties with Kyren Williams, who had a solid sophomore season with 1,144 running yards, 206 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns (12 rushing, three receiving). However, Williams only played 12 games due to injury, so adding someone like Ekeler would assure that the Los Angeles Rams didn’t miss a beat if he was out.
Austin Ekeler has made it known that he wants to be paid this summer, and the Los Angeles Rams have almost $43 million in cap space. But, more importantly, joining the Los Angeles Rams is the proper decision for Ekeler since it will provide him the opportunity to play for a Super Bowl contender.
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