Fansided

Every NFL team’s most surprising cut candidate

By Nick Villano

Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers — Austin Ekeler

Many thought this would have happened by now, but Austin Ekeler surprised the football world when he decided to restructure his contract to stay in Los Angeles. However, this contract seems pretty easy to get out of from the Chargers’ standpoint. It’s very incentive-laden, and the Chargers would only need to pay $1.5 million to get out of the deal.

So, if Ekeler starts to make a fuss again, and he continues with his trade demands, then the Chargers might just decide to cut bait. Brandon Staley has the hottest seat in the league. He can’t take a chance on guys who could turn the locker room. Keenan Allen already had to restructure his contract, but it was to protect himself. Ekeler doesn’t have a contract that’s safe. He can be cut for close to nothing.

So, the Chargers have to see how the preseason goes. If Ekeler is a good soldier, then nothing will happen. He will play out the season, and then he will find a new team next year. Ekeler is still the best offensive weapon on that team outside Justin Herbert. The team can win more when he’s in the lineup. This is a two-way weapon unlike any in the league.

Ekeler is the closest thing to Marshall Faulk in the league right now. The Chargers would be foolish to let him go. However, the Chargers have been foolish with this team.

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