Austin Ekeler is traveling coast to coast to join the Washington Commanders.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Ekeler has agreed to terms with Washington on a two-year contract
worth up to $11.43 million. The source talked to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Monday
because the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, when the new league year begins.
The soon-to-be 29-year-old departs the Los Angeles Chargers after seven seasons and 69 touchdowns since his
professional debut in 2017.
Ekeler topped the NFL in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, but dropped to six last
season.
Bringing him in provides the Commanders a one-two backfield punch with Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.
Ekeler was not the first agreement completed by new General Manager Adam Peters when the NFL’s free agent
negotiating period began at noon EDT. With the most cap room in the league, he quickly signed three-year contracts
with linebacker Frankie Luvu, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and center Tyler Biadasz. Peters then added kicker
Brandon McManus.
Luvu received $36 million, according to his agency, Team IFA. According to two sources familiar with the
transactions, Armstrong’s contract is worth up to $45 million while Biadasz’s is worth $30 million. McManus
received a one-year salary of $3.6 million.
Armstrong and Biadasz are familiar faces to incoming coach Dan Quinn, who previously coached the rival Dallas
Cowboys. Luvu is a newcomer to what may be the Commanders’ most pressing defensive necessity.
