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We are just nine days away from the official start of free agency and the Chargers have already made two huge moves by trading for 26-year old gaurd Trai Turner and signing Austin Ekeler to a four-year deal.
Both moves show the team is committing a bit more to the immediate success of this team, and rightfully so. After Lynn signed that one-year extension, he knew that this first year in the new SoFi Stadium could be a real “make-or-break” season for his career.
With rumblings around the media about the Chargers not being done just yet, I’d certainly expect more deals to be made before and after the March 18th start date.
Chargers Weekly: Austin Ekeler’s Rise to NFL Stardom
https://www.chargers.com/audio/chargers-weekly-austin-ekeler-s-rise-to-nfl-stardom
“Chris Hayre and Hayley Elwood are joined by ESPN’s Eric Williams to discuss running back Austin Ekeler’s multi-year extension with the team.”
Danny Woodhead, Austin Ekeler Walking the Same NFL Path
https://www.chargers.com/news/danny-woodhead-austin-ekeler-walking-the-same-nfl-path
“No doubt. I think he’s similar in terms of the way he plays, his play speed, his build – certainly you look at him (at) 5-8, 200 pounds. He’s built similarly to Danny, and then they have a similar story, too, when you look at how they made it to the league and really kind of had to fight each step and really prove people wrong – and that’s kind of fueled Austin and certainly it fueled Danny when he was in the NFL.”
Austin Ekeler Highlights from the 2019 Season
https://www.chargers.com/video/austin-ekeler-highlights-from-the-2019-season
“Watch the highlights of Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler from the 2019 NFL season.”
2020 NFL draft: Josh Jones scouting report
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/08/2020-nfl-draft-josh-jones-scouting-report/
“Jones is a bit of a work in progress, but the upside he brings to the table is palpable. He’s an athletic offensive tackle with great length, body control and lateral quickness in pass protection.”
Chargers select future signal-caller, double dip in trenches in CBS Sports’ 3-round mock draft
“Free agency will play a part of how they’re going to go about their draft, but at the moment, addressing the quarterback position and offensive line will be the main focal point.”
Ryan Leaf: My Dad told Manning family the Chargers wouldn’t support Eli
“Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning are forever connected after being the first two players off the board in the 1998 NFL Draft — Manning first, Leaf second — but apparently his connection to the Manning family runs deeper than that.”
LA Chargers: Projecting the 2020 defensive depth chart
https://boltbeat.com/2020/03/09/la-chargers-projecting-defensive-depth-chart/
“What will become of free agent Adrian Phillips? Do the Chargers tweak the defense, or go with more of a comprehensive overhaul? Jatavis Brown and Isaac Rochell are also key contributors that could leave for other teams.”
Los Angeles Chargers: Late-round running backs to pair with Austin Ekeler
https://boltbeat.com/2020/03/08/los-angeles-chargers-late-round-austin-ekeler/
“That leaves a hole in the depth chart to fill. The Chargers love running two running back sets and using rotations in the backfield, so we very well could see the team bring in another running back as well.”
Ranking Tom Telesco’s 12 best free agent signings for Chargers
“With free agency set to get underway in less than two weeks, we decided to reflect on the signings made by general manager Tom Telesco since he took over in 2013.”
Chargers’ Austin Ekeler ‘Overwhelmed’ by New Contract, Ready for Expanded Role
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-overwhelmed-new-contract-expanded-role
“The NFL’s compensation system doesn’t typically reward running backs let alone those who enter the league as undrafted free agents. Ekeler bucked that trend in a major way, securing a four-year contract worth $24.5 million with $15 million guaranteed. That deal places him inside the top 10 in average annual value for his position, nearly 10 times his earnings from a year ago.”