Chargers re-sign Ekeler to reported 4-year, $24.5M deal

The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a multi-year extension with running back Austin Ekeler on Friday that's reported to be a four-year, $24.5-million contract with $15 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 24-year-old was scheduled to become a restricted free agent, but now he's under contract with the Chargers until 2024.

With starting running back Melvin Gordon holding out to begin the 2019 season, Ekeler started eight games, finishing the year with 557 rushing yards, 993 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns.

The Chargers elected to bring Ekeler back with Gordon scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent March 18.

"The Chargers were the first team to believe in me as an undrafted free agent out of Western (State Colorado). To be able to ensure my long-term future with this team is a dream come true and my ultimate goal is to bring a championship here to this franchise," Ekeler said in a release that NFL Network's Tom Pelissero obtained.

Ekeler now ranks ninth among running backs in average annual salary.