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Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler may stay with the workforce subsequent season after getting permission to hunt a commerce final month, however remaining there wouldn’t be a dream situation for the veteran operating again.
Throughout an interview with SiriusXM Fantasy Sports activities Radio, Ekeler opened up concerning the failed contract negotiations with the Chargers, which finally led to his resolution to hunt a commerce, including that he was on the lookout for dedication towards a “long-term plan.”
![Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/Austin-Ekeler2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers is seen throughout the sport in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Photos)
“I sort of acquired punched within the face when the Chargers mainly stated, ‘Hey, we don’t wish to discuss extensions anymore,’” Ekeler stated.
CHARGERS STAR AUSTIN EKELER REQUESTS PERMISSION TO SEEK TRADE AFTER STELLAR YEAR: REPORTS
“That is the group that I’ve continued to rise and hit new heights in and proceed so as to add extra worth … so, that’s the way it felt, proper? It felt like, ‘Wow, that is the primary time in my profession with them that I felt disrespected by my very own group.’”
Ekeler led the league final season with 18 scrimmage touchdowns and has scored an NFL-high 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons. However as either side sat down to speak about his future with the workforce, Ekeler prompt the conversations have been one-sided.
![Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/Austin-Ekeler.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars throughout the first half of the sport within the AFC Wild Card playoff sport at TIAA Financial institution Subject on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Photos)
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“It sucks. I wish to be a Charger. I wish to be a Charger. I wish to be there, and it sucks as a result of it is like, ‘OK, let’s get one thing finished,'” he stated.
“Sure, I do have yet another yr on my contract, completely, however for them to wish to permit me to go and be a free agent subsequent yr after enjoying, possibly we’ll get one thing finished all year long. Who is aware of how it is going to play out? However that is how I am feeling proper now. We do not have perception into how they’re considering as a result of they’re similar to, ‘Nah, we do not wish to speak anymore.'”
![Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after his catch during a 23-17 win over the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/640/320/Austin-Ekeler3.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after his catch throughout a 23-17 win over the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Photos)
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Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Ekeler is getting into the ultimate yr of his four-year, $24.5 million contract. He’s ready to check the waters to get the deal he needs, however that might imply Ekeler stays in Los Angeles – one thing he stated could be “worst-case situation.”
“Look, I suppose the worst-case situation proper now out of all of it – I am going to come again, and I am going to should play for the Chargers for a yr and wager on myself after which be a free agent subsequent yr.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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