Hear Me Out: An Austin Ekeler Trade Would Make a Lot of Sense for the Bears

No one thought the Bears could realistically get D.J. Moore from the Panthers as part of a trade out of the No. 1 spot.

And yet, GM Ryan Poles was able to successfully pull it off.

With that in mind, I refuse to cut off the possibility of another trade in the near future. The NFL is just too unpredictable to speak in absolutes and say that there is no way Poles couldn’t do it again. Also, I’m not a Sith Lord — and we know only the Sith speak in absolutes. And while that is an absolute, we can look past that in order to discuss the possibility of Austin Ekeler. The Chargers running back asked for (and has been given the green light to seek) a trade.

Consider my interest piqued:

Ekeler, 27, is a scoring and all-purpose yardage machine. Over the last two seasons, Ekeler has been given 587 touches, gained 3,195 scrimmage yards, and scored 38 touchdowns. On the ground, Ekeler has averaged 4.5 yards per carry since the start of the 2021 season. In the air, he has caught 80.1 percent of the passes thrown his way, put up 7.7 yards per reception, and hit the end zone 13 times. Ekeler is entering the final year of his contract and wants a big payday. I can’t say I blame him. And what better team than the Bears? Their top rusher last year is hitting free agency and the team could seek a replacement.

Before you scoff and roll your eyes, I want you to hear me out.

Firstly, the Bears could conceivably trade for Ekeler and not pay a steep price (because Ekeler’s public trade request and search for a new contract takes away some of the Chargers’ negotiation leverage). That would soften any concerns about a potential overpay on that front.

Secondly, the Bears still have approximately $45 million in space under the cap. GM Ryan Poles doesn’t have to use it all this year, but the team still has work to do in order to get to the salary floor. An easy way to do that could be by acquiring and extending Ekeler. For what it’s worth, Ekeler’s current deal comes with a $6.125M AAV. Doubling that and giving him something in the $12 million per year range would put him in the top 10 while not being prohibitive long-term.

Thirdly, we’ve seen what Ekeler’s presence can do for a young, developing quarterback — and I want that for Justin Fields. Don’t get me wrong, I realize Justin Herbert had Keenan Allen and others to target in the passing game. But he also had Ekeler doing everything out of the backfield. Ekeler’s ability to play roles as chief ball carrier, safety valve check-down option and primary receiver out of the backfield adds depth and layers to the Chargers’ offense. And I’d like for the Bears’ offense to run that way.

To be clear, I’m not angling for the Bears to sell the farm to get Ekeler. After all, there are draft options that intrigue me. Plus, there are free agent fits that make sense to round out the room. Oh … and we can’t forget that Khalil Herbert can still cook. But in an attempt to build a modern offense, I’m looking for the Bears to seek playmakers. There are few backs who fit that description the way Ekeler does. At a minimum, Poles should be checking in and inquiring on the asking price. If there is a fair deal to be made, then make it. But if there isn’t, then move along.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

NC State vs Marquette Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

March Madness matchups bring us a great battle tonight as 11-seed NC State battles 2-seed Marquette. Check out the odds, stats, and more for NC State vs Marquette which tips off at 7:09 pm ET tonight. NC State vs Marquette...

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Friday, March 29, 2024

Today's NBA schedule has 12 quality competitions in store. Among those games is the Minnesota Timberwolves playing the Denver Nuggets.NBA prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building a parlay, you'll...

more bears news