3 Most Likely Austin Ekeler Replacements After Announced Departure

1. D'Onta Foreman

The veteran running back signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Bears last offseason and had an up-and-down season. The 27-year-old running back has made a career out of being a successful backup behind elite running backs like Derrick Henry in Tennesee and Christian McCaffrey in Carolina. Every time his number is called, Foreman delivers, picking up yards and scoring touchdowns in a pinch.

Even in an up-and-down season with the Bears in which he only played in nine games, he managed to score five touchdowns and pick up 425 yards in 109 carries. He had an expected points added per play of 2.60, ninth in the entire NFL among all rushers, and third among running backs who carried 100 times or more.

After being a healthy scratch multiple times during the season, Foreman will likely want out of Chicago. He deserved a larger and more consistent role with his production. And the Chargers could give him that opportunity. He could be a low-risk, high-reward type of free-agency gamble.