Within a limited salary cap, as other positions begin to see an increase in the average value of their contracts, the space in the salary cap for those increases has to come from somewhere. As positions like quarterback and defensive tackle are reaching new highs, it seems that the value of running backs is slowly diminishing.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler went on The Rich Eisen Show this week to voice his opinion on the situation. Ekeler is entering a contract year and was interested in renewing his deal for more time in Los Angeles. When it became clear that the Chargers weren’t willing to meet his demands on a new deal, they allowed him to seek a trade. Unfortunately for Ekeler, it soon became apparent that no one was willing to meet his demands, sending him back to the negotiating table. Without extending his time with the team, Los Angeles did show a bit of their appreciation for Ekeler, reworking his contract in a way that allows him to make more money in 2023 through incentives.
Ekeler understandably left the situation frustrated with the development of the running back market. His view is that running backs carry the ball and impact the game more and that they’re not getting compensated in a corresponding fashion. While he certainly has a point, being concerned that top running backs are getting nearly the money they should be able to, the overall market of the position is being dragged down by the success of its younger players. Due to the recent successes seen by running backs on rookie contracts, several teams feel much more comfortable going to the draft for their primary rushers, making them less inclined to pay out large contracts to veterans, regardless of their caliber.
As a result, Ekeler sees backup wide receivers making more money than him, despite their lesser impact on the team’s success. It’s an unfortunate development that, this offseason, has resulted in contract disputes from four of the league’s top-eight running backs in yards from scrimmage last year.
Here are a few other rumors coming out of Los Angeles this summer:
- The Chargers used a first-round pick on wide receiver Quentin Johnston this year, and there is not an expectation that he will be coming off the bench much as a rookie, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Despite Josh Palmer stepping up in a big way during his sophomore season while position leaders Keenan Allen and Mike Williams each missed some time with injury, Popper expects Johnston to jump Palmer for the WR3 role at some point this year. Johnston has some development to undergo still before claiming the spot, but Palmer’s absence in the spring (due to injury) certainly helps Johnston’s case. Popper expects the position battle to take place in training camp, and he expects Johnston to eventually win out.
- Additionally, Popper addressed the team’s reluctance to spend on free agency this offseason despite having a little more the $12MM in open cap space for 2023. It’s a popular opinion that the Chargers are already looking ahead towards the 2024 season. Next year, four players will have cap hits over $30MM, and that’s not including quarterback Justin Herbert who, if forced to play out his fifth-year option, would hold a $29.50MM cap hit in 2024. Instead of spending their money this summer on contracts that may have an impact into next year, Los Angeles may be angling to take advantage of rollover cap space. According to Popper, “teams are allowed to roll over any unused cap space from one season to the next.” $12MM of rollover could do a lot towards what could end up being a pricey 2024 season. In contrast, the highest cap hit the team is dealing with in 2023 comes in at $17MM.
As a ‘fan’ I’m a pinch disappointed in that there’s a heavy dependence on young players. That stated, being known as a ‘cheap’ team, I’m satisfied with the budget conscious approach this off season.
I can see some ‘cuts’ or restructures being necessary in 24 to facilitate a Herbert long term pact and then a new contract for Slater.
Thinkin this could be the last year for a few popular starters which is always disheartening but necessary.
Quentin Johnston is going to get off the bench. Keenan Allen is getting older and missed time last year. Mike Williams has more injuries than the rest of the team combined. DeAndre Carter who soaked up 46 rec for 538 yds last season is now with the Raiders.
Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are both on the books for over $20 million next year. The Chargers cannot afford to keep them both, especially if Justin Herbert is expected to get paid. One of them, if not both of them are going to be cut after this season, there is a Potential Out in each of their contracts at the end of the year. There is no way they are both in LA for the 2024 season.
Johnston needs time to develop. Palmer is coming off his sophomore season with 72 rec. 769 yds and 3 TD. Palmer made a nice jump in production in year 2, turning out to be a nice pick up in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft. I think both of these young WR’s have a role in the Kellen Moore offense.
Welcome to the world of kickers and punters RB’s. Only rent homes where you play.
The Chargers will not have $12 million in cap room to roll over into 2024. About $3.5 million of this years cap will go to practice squad players and an unknown amount will go to injured players and player incentives.
If the Chargers have good injury luck (which never happens) and they don’t sign any free agents above minimum salary they will be lucky to roll over about $6-7 million in cap room.