Washington Commanders make underrated free agency move that could easily pay off in a big way
As expected the Washington Commanders have been very busy during the first wave of free agency. On both sides of the ball, too. That continued into Monday evening, when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Commanders and Austin Ekeler agreed to a two-year, $11.43 million deal that nets the Pro Bowler $4.82 million in 2024 with […]
As expected the Washington Commanders have been very busy during the first wave of free agency. On both sides of the ball, too.
That continued into Monday evening, when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Commanders and Austin Ekeler agreed to a two-year, $11.43 million deal that nets the Pro Bowler $4.82 million in 2024 with a chance to earn $1.5 million in incentives.
It's a good deal when breaking down the details
Ekeler dealt with some injuries in 2023 that led to a down year, but he can still be an effective back when he's healthy. If the Commanders get a healthy-as-can-be Ekeler in 2024, this will turn out to be one of the better bargains in free agency.
The first year amount is affordable and it's very likely there's an out for the Commanders after Year 1, in case things don't work out. The $3 million signing bonus is a big indicator, as there's only $1.5 million in 2025 dead money. Unless there are void years, which is doubtful.
Ekeler will be a good fit in Kingsbury's offense, too, an gives the offense a three-down back that defenses can't pigeonhole. It can be a run or a pass when Ekeler is on the field, which is a big advantage for NFL offenses.
