Washington Commanders Eyeing Austin Ekeler as Replacement for Antonio Gibson in 2024 NFL Free Agency
In a surprising move, the Washington Commanders are considering signing Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers as a replacement for Antonio Gibson. Eric Bieniemy and Scott Turner, along with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, are determined to make the most of Ekeler’s dual-threat talents. According to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, Ekeler could form a formidable one-two punch with Brian Robinson Jr.
The plan is to utilize Robinson as the early-down bruiser, while Ekeler would serve as the late-down pass catcher. With his ability to break off chunk gains through the air, Ekeler would make life easier for a rookie quarterback. Spielberger acknowledges that Robinson’s pass-catching volume has increased, but Ekeler’s accomplishments as a receiver surpass those of Robinson. In his best season, Ekeler caught an impressive 107 passes.
By adding Ekeler to their roster, the Commanders would finally have the multi-purpose backfield threat they had hoped Gibson would become. This versatile playmaker would be invaluable to the Commanders, especially considering their likely selection of a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Despite the undervaluation of the running back position in modern football, the Commanders, projected to have a significant amount of salary cap space, should not hesitate to invest heavily in Ekeler. His skills align perfectly with the modern prototype for running backs. With a strong physique and deceptive speed, Ekeler can excel between the tackles, contribute to pass protection, and make catches from various positions on the field.
One notable example of Ekeler’s abilities was demonstrated in last season’s playoffs, where he showcased his speed on a touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Commanders are eager to bring this level of playmaking to their team.
With the potential signing of Ekeler, the Commanders are poised to strengthen their offense and provide their quarterback with a reliable and dynamic weapon. Only time will tell if this move will pay off for the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL season.
EKELER: THE MISSING PIECE FOR COMMANDERS’ OFFENSE
In a surprising turn of events, the Washington Commanders are rumored to be eyeing Austin Ekeler as a potential addition to their offense. While Ekeler may not be needed to carry the load in the running game, his versatility as a pass-catcher is what stands out to head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Last season, Ekeler showcased his skills as a receiver, making 51 catches from deep in the backfield. Despite starting behind the line of scrimmage, Ekeler managed to average an impressive 10.1 yards after catch per reception. His ability to create yards after the catch is unmatched, with only Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers ahead of him in this category.
Not only does Ekeler excel in catching the ball, but he is also active in the passing game. He ran an average of 20.1 routes per game, ranking ninth in the league. His presence as a receiver adds a new dimension to the Commanders’ offense.
On the other hand, the Commanders had high hopes for Gibson, who was drafted in the third round in 2020. With his background as a wide receiver and return specialist, Gibson was expected to pose a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. However, things didn’t pan out as expected.
Under offensive coordinator Scott Turner, Gibson never exceeded 46 catches in a single season. Even with the arrival of Eric Bieniemy as the new OC in 2023, Gibson’s production remained underwhelming. This was surprising considering Bieniemy’s success in utilizing running backs as pass-catchers during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Adding Ekeler to the Commanders’ offense would provide the missing piece they need. His proven ability as a receiver and his knack for creating yards after the catch would greatly enhance the team’s offensive firepower.
As the Commanders look to revamp their offense, the addition of Ekeler could be the game-changer they need. With his versatility and playmaking ability, Ekeler has the potential to take the Commanders’ offense to new heights. Stay tuned for updates on this potential acquisition.
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According to the Source heavy.com