Austin Ekeler signs four-year contract extension with Los Angeles Chargers

Image: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers has agreed an extension to his deal

Running back Austin Ekeler has agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $24.5m, including $15m guaranteed.

Among Ekeler's 2019 highlights were scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the opener against Indianapolis and posting the NFL's 35th game with 100 yards rushing and receiving in Week 14 at Jacksonville.

"It feels a little overwhelming, but it's a relief," Ekeler said. "We were going back and forth for a month. We were pretty far apart at first but once we kept getting closer it started to become a real possibility."

Ekeler will have a big role in a Chargers offense which is undergoing many changes as they prepare to move into the new 70,000 SoFi stadium at Hollywood Park.

"I can see myself being more of a leader vocally," Ekeler said. "My role will be bigger than last year with more opportunities."

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General manager Tom Telesco believes Ekeler can be the Chargers' lead guy.

"He can handle the touches. Would you want to have him carry the ball 30, 35 times a game, which hardly anybody does anymore?" Telesco said of Ekeler.

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"He can do so much with the football with the amount of touches he gets. It doesn't just have to be as a running back. We can put him in the slot. We can put him out wide. He's a pretty dangerous player for us and a big part of our offense. Hes going to play a lot."

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