Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Antonio Gibson

Monday, March 11, 7:05 PM

Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Washington Commanders on Monday on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, according to sources. Ekeler is headed to the East coast after seven seasons and 69 total touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old was extremely productive in his time with the Bolts, but he's coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in 2023 and is now heading to a Commanders backfield where he'll be expected to split the workload with Brian Robinson. On a side note, former Commanders RB Antonio Gibson agreed to join the New England Patriots. Gone are the days of Ekeler being a no-doubt RB1 for fantasy managers, although he still has the talent to be a highly productive RB3/flex option, especially in PPR leagues. In addition, the Commanders' signing of Ekeler is going to be bad news for B-Rob's fantasy ceiling.

Monday, March 11, 3:08 PM

Free agent running back Antonio Gibson and the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract on Monday. The official details of the agreement have yet to be released, but the former Washington Commander is heading to New England. Gibson rushed for 265 yards and a touchdown while catching 48 of 59 targets for 389 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games for the Commanders in 2023. With Ezekiel Elliott set to become a free agent, Gibson will join Rhamondre Stevenson and is set to be an integral part of New England's backfield. The 25-year-old will handle passing situations and third-down duties while spelling Stevenson on early-downs. With the move to New England, Gibson's fantasy value improves slightly, but he is a better fantasy option in PPR formats, making him a borderline RB4 heading into fantasy drafts in 2024.