NFL Rumors: Austin Ekeler trade ideas, Chiefs right on Orlando Brown, Steelers draft signal

NFL rumors: Austin Ekeler trade landing spots after Chargers grant permission

One of the truly most surprising moments at the start of the legal tampering period was Austin Ekeler requesting a trade from the Chargers after contract negotiations appeared to hit an impasse. The question was if Los Angeles would be willing to do that for the running back or try to play hardball.

We got our answer on Tuesday as ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Chargers had granted Ekeler’s request and would allow him to find a trade partner that would sign him to a new deal.

That leads us to the million-dollar question: Who should be ready to jump at an Austin Ekeler trade?

Ekeler, interestingly enough, might have the most value to the Chargers given everything he does to make that offense work around Justin Herbert. Having said that, there are some landing spots that would make a lot of sense if a trade is indeed going to happen.

Not only do the Chicago Bears still have money to burn but they could be moving on from David Montgomery. Having a dual-threat option like Ekeler could be valuable for the development of Justin Fields. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons could also be interested in such a trade for the development of their young quarterbacks. And don’t overlook the Buffalo Bills. Though the salary cap is not their friend, adding Austin Ekeler to that offense would be a boondoggle for the ages.