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Brandon Staley hopes Austin Ekeler will remain with Chargers despite RB's trade request

PHOENIX – Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley knows Austin Ekeler isn’t satisfied with his current contract situation, but he remains hopeful the running back stays in Southern California.

“The respect for Austin Ekeler that we have as an organization. There couldn’t be more respect. What he’s done for us and what he’s accomplished for us, just the fullest respect. This is just part of the nature of the business in the NFL, what we are working through. We’ve had really good communication with his team,” Staley said. “We’re just kind of working through that. We don’t have a timeline on what’s gonna happen. We want him to be a Charger, but we’ll see where it goes. The business of the NFL will take shape. We love him. Hopefully we can all come to a resolution.”

The Chargers running back asked for a trade this month, and the team granted Ekeler and his representation permission to seek a deal.

Ekeler was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chargers in 2017. He worked his way up the depth chart and signed a four-year, $24.5 million extension in 2020.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had 18 touchdowns in the 2022 season.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had 18 touchdowns in the 2022 season.

Ekeler, who turns 28 in May, currently has one year remaining on his contract with a base salary of $6.2 million. His overall average annual value ranks 13th among NFL running backs, per overthecap.com. But Ekeler believes he has outperformed his existing contract.

The running back has totaled 3,727 rushing yards, 3,448 receiving yards and 63 touchdowns in his career.

Since 2021, Ekeler leads the NFL with 38 touchdowns from scrimmage. He’s led the Chargers in rushing yards for the past three seasons.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chargers' Brandon Staley hopes for a 'resolution' with Austin Ekeler