4 Commanders players whose stock could crash beyond repair in 2024
By Dean Jones
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
Signing running back Austin Ekeler could be a tremendous piece of business for the Washington Commanders. He's a prolific veteran who's enjoyed a phenomenal career. If he can take this form into a different environment, it's going to help Kliff Kingsbury's revamped offense considerably.
One would be shocked to see Ekeler fail to meet expectations. He's fully focused on silencing some doubters after things ended sourly with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former undrafted free agent is also looking to form a productive tandem with Brian Robinson Jr. rather than adopt lead-back responsibilities.
The signs are positive. But some concerns cannot be ignored.
Ekeler went over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored six touchdowns last season from 14 games, but he did show signs of wear and tear. There is a lot of tread on his tires, which is something the Commanders must manage carefully to maximize his time with the organization next season and potentially beyond.
There's also the age factor. Ekeler is 30 years old, which is the perceived cut-off point for running backs before they start to regress significantly. While the player looks to be in peak physical condition throughout Washington's organized team activities, it's something worth monitoring at the very least.
The Commanders seem confident that Ekeler is going to make an impact on and off the field. His pass-catching prowess and red-zone efficiency are exactly the sort of comfort blanket rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs during his pivotal transition. If Robinson picks up the heavy lifting and Kingsbury schemes things up effectively, this move should go off without a hitch.
There is a flip side to this coin. If Ekeler cannot maintain his exceptionally high-performance levels, the Commanders can move on from his deal after one season with minimal financial ramifications attached. It would also almost guarantee NFL teams will start looking at his future aspirations differently.
High stakes, indeed. But the NFL is a cutthroat business.