3 Austin Ekeler landing spots if Chargers trade the star running back

In what could end up being yet another stunning trade in the 2023 NFL offseason, Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has apparently asked (and received permission) to seek a new home for 2023 and beyond.

Apparently, the Chargers don’t want to pay one of their best players after some incredible seasons in 2021 and 2022.

Austin Ekeler hits the NFL trade block: Where is he going?

So where do the Chargers go from here? The better question — where does Austin Ekeler go from here? There’s no certainty that the Chargers would trade him, of course. It’s going to require some other NFL team not only being willing to meet Ekeler’s contract demands, but also give the Chargers fair value in a trade. What’s the value going to be on a guy who has racked up 38 total touchdowns and over 3,100 total yards over the last two seasons?

Let’s try to predict his top three landing spots in a potential trade.

1. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have a bunch of cap space and a bunch of draft picks. Why not go after Austin Ekeler? Especially when you just lost David Montgomery — your top back — to a division rival in Detroit, it could make some sense to bring a player like Ekeler in.

Not to mention, Ekeler could really help push forward Justin Fields’ development. he’s the type of back that can create offense for you, specifically in the passing game. He has caught 177 passes over the last two seasons. Just imagine that kind of outlet for Justin Fields to have as he continues his development.

Obviously, I’m not suggesting the Bears give up that 9th overall pick for Ekeler, but after adding DJ Moore in the deal to move down off the no. 1 overall pick, perhaps Ekeler could be the next piece of the puzzle.