Ekeler wants to explore a trade
Frustrated by the pace of talks on an extension, the agent for running back Austin Ekeler is seeking permission from the Chargers to speak to other teams about a trade.
Cameron Weiss confirmed the request just minutes into the free- agent negotiating period that began Monday morning.
Later in the day, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, who played at UCLA, announced on social media that he agreed to terms with the Chargers.
Ekeler has a base salary of $ 6.25 million this year, the f inal season of a four- year, $ 24.5- million extension he signed in March 2020.
That deal ranks 15th in average annual value among NFL running backs. Over the last two seasons, no one in the NFL has scored more touchdowns from scrimmage than Ekeler’s 38.
Kendricks, 31, spent the first eight years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He was released in a salary cap move last week.
The Chargers made another move Monday, re- signing one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s backups — Easton Stick — to a oneyear extension with $ 1.15 million fully guaranteed, according to over the cap. — Jeff Miller
Garoppolo, Raiders agree to contract
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a three- year, $ 67.5- million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Garoppolo’s contract includes $ 34 million in guaranteed money.
The Raiders have been linked to Garoppolo almost from the moment coach Josh McDaniels benched Derek Carr late last season. Carr has since signed with New Orleans.
McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator when Garoppolo backed up Tom Brady in New England beginning in 2014.
Garoppolo, 31, was effective when healthy with San Francisco from 2017 through last season, going 38- 17.
49ers are adding Hargrave, Darnold
San Francisco agreed to a four- year, $ 84- million contract with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
The deal with Hargrave, who had 11 sacks for Philadelphia last season, gives the 49ers a top interior pass rusher to team with star Nick Bosa on the edge.
The 49ers also agreed to a one- year deal with quarterback Sam Darnold, who starred at USC.
The addition of Darnold gives San Francisco depth with Trey Lance ( broken ankle) and Brock Purdy ( elbow surgery) recovering from injuries.
Gay heads to Colts
Kicker Matt Gay, who played for the Rams the last three seasons, agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts, according to his agent, who tweeted that a deal had been reached.
Gay made 28 of 30 f ieldgoal tries last season. — Gary Klein
Noteworthy
Cleveland restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s $ 230- million contract to create salary cap space. ... Chicago reached contracts with linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T. J. Edwards. ... Denver agreed to deals with right tackle Mike McGlinchey, left guard Ben Powers, defensive lineman Zach Allen and backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. ... Seattle agreed to a three- year contract with defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. ... The New York Giants and linebacker Bobby Okereke reached a four- year deal. ... Miami agreed to sign former New York Jets quarterback Mike White to a two- year contract. ...
Jawaan Taylor agreed to a four- year contract with Kansas City to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. ... The NFL’s competition committee will consider making roughing- the- passer and personal- foul penalties subject to video review.