Imagine having a teammate who can do it all. That’s Austin Ekeler for you. He’s not just on the field; he’s everywhere, making plays that count. Ekeler, known for his dynamic playmaking, has confidently stepped up to declare himself rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ ‘Best Friend’

As Ekeler stated on Free Agency Friday segment of the Commanders, “I feel like I’ve been a Swiss army knife…Whatever you put me in, whatever role it is, I can play that role. What do you need me to do? Do you need me to carry the ball for you, catch the ball for you, play in the screen game? I’ll still strap up there and go play some Gunner on punt team if they want to use me out there.”

His ability to thrive in multiple roles – running, receiving, special teams – makes him an invaluable asset. “I have a lot of skill sets and I could be used in a multitude of ways, which is kind of where I feel like I’m the quarterback’s best friend,” Ekeler added. He recalled his early days with Philip Rivers, who knew “if no one’s open, I can find Ekeler – I know he’s going to do something with the ball. As long as you can get me the ball in some type of way, some good things are going to happen.”

Ekeler’s role with the Commanders is clear: to be a multifaceted weapon and a mentor for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The move to the Commanders marks a new chapter for Ekeler after accumulating 69 total touchdowns over seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. His two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million is not just a contract; it’s a commitment to bring his experience and winning mentality.

As Ekeler himself puts it, understanding one’s role is crucial, especially when supporting a young quarterback like Daniels

Austin Ekeler is a guiding light for rookie QBs like Jayden Daniels

For Ekeler, being a mentor involves two key things: Helping young QBs understand their role, and instilling the proper culture and expectations. As he explained, “Number one is being able to understand your role…Especially if you have a young quarterback, they have a whole new offense they’re trying to figure out themselves. They got to make the calls, make the checks, and so what I can do is make sure I’m in the backfield protecting him, his last line of defense.”

The second part is “Just bringing this person with us as far as getting the culture instilled within them…I’m going to be pushing them just like I’m pushing everyone, including myself.” Ekeler’s hands-on approach provides a blueprint for Daniels’ development by showing what it takes to excel at the pro level.

Ekeler commits to a culture of continuous improvement and collective success. His experience, coupled with his willingness to embrace multiple roles, sets a standard for the team and provides a blueprint for Daniels to follow.