The Washington Commanders are on the verge of a new era. With a fresh coaching staff and a roster in transition, they need to make smart financial decisions while building for the future. One of those decisions? Moving on from Austin Ekeler, the veteran running back who just had one of the worst seasons of his career.
Ekeler has been one of the league’s most versatile backs over the past five years, known for his explosive receiving ability and playmaking in space. But 2024 was a disaster. He finished with just 367 rushing yards and four touchdowns, his lowest yardage total since his rookie year. Injuries played a role, but so did age—Ekeler turns 30 this season, and that’s when most running backs start to decline rapidly.
Why Trading Ekeler Makes Sense
Ekeler isn’t Washington’s best running back anymore—that title belongs to Brian Robinson Jr. With Robinson proving himself as a powerful, downhill runner, the Commanders don’t need to carry Ekeler’s $5 million cap hit when they can reallocate those funds elsewhere.
For Washington, this isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl. Moving Ekeler could free up cap space for other positions of need, like improving the offensive line or adding more playmakers on defense.
Who Could Use Ekeler?
Even with his declining production, Ekeler still has value to teams looking for a third-down back or veteran presence:
- Buffalo Bills – With James Cook as the lead back, Ekeler would provide a proven receiving option in a high-powered offense.
- Baltimore Ravens – Their running back room has been plagued by injuries, and Ekeler could give Lamar Jackson a dynamic pass-catching weapon.
- Dallas Cowboys – Tony Pollard’s future is uncertain, and Dallas could see Ekeler as a short-term veteran replacement.
Final Thoughts
Ekeler’s best days might be behind him, but he still has a role to play in the NFL. The Commanders, however, shouldn’t be the team to keep him. Moving on would give them financial flexibility and allow them to fully commit to their younger, more explosive backfield options.
For Washington, this is about building for the future—not holding onto the past. Trading Ekeler now is the right move.
