Reports: Commanders sign RB Austin Ekeler to two-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Mon 11th March, 19:45 2024

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball against the Denver Broncos during the first half at SoFi Stadium. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders and free agent running back Austin Ekeler agreed to a two-year contract, multiple reports said Monday.

The contract is worth up to $11.43 million, NFL Network and The Athletic reported.

Washington also reportedly agreed with linebacker Frankie Luvu on a three-year deal worth up to $36 million.

Ekeler will join a new NFL team for the first time after spending his first seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Ekeler reportedly sought a trade last offseason before staying with Los Angeles.

Ekeler's former head coach with the Chargers, Anthony Lynn, will be the Commanders' running backs coach and run game coordinator in 2024.

Ekeler tied for the NFL lead in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in both 2021 (20) and 2022 (18) as the Chargers' featured back. His production tailed off in 2023, when he rushed 179 times for 628 yards and five touchdowns and caught 51 passes for 436 yards and one touchdown.

In 103 career games (68 starts), Ekeler has amassed 8,239 yards from scrimmage (4,355 rushing, 3,884 receiving) with 39 rushing touchdowns and 30 receiving TDs.

He projects to be the No. 1 back in Washington after former Commanders running back Antonio Gibson agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots.

Luvu, 27, had a team-leading 125 tackles for Carolina last season in his third campaign with the Panthers and sixth in the NFL. He has 236 stops over the past two seasons.

Overall, Luvu has 338 tackles, 20 sacks and one interception (returned for a touchdown) in 88 career games (39 starts).

—Field Level Media

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