Austin Ekeler rushed eight times for 15 yards in the Commanders’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles, adding five receptions for 17 yards.

Not a good ending to Ekeler’s age-29 campaign, as he lost a back-breaking second half fumble. It was inexcusable ball security as Ekeler tried to get up after falling down. Forced to settle for just $1.2 million guaranteed in free agency, Ekeler did bounce back from his horrendous final season for the Chargers, getting his yards per carry back near 5.0 and his yards per catch over 10.0. He was limited to 12 games by a scary Week 12 concussion, but performed pretty much exactly as expected when healthy. Although Ekeler’s three-down days are long gone, the Commanders could decide he’s a third-down back worth retaining at his currently scheduled $3 million salary. That being said, Washington is in the driver’s seat there with Ekeler due no guaranteed money for 2025.