Chargers and Melvin Gordon Reportedly Reach Stalemate in Contract Discussions
It seems that Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon's holdout is now expected to be prolonged and threatens to last into the season after negotiations have reached a standstill.
According to sources, one or possibly even both of the parties remain unwilling to back down from their proposed numbers, leaving talks stalled until further notice.
Source on Melvin Gordon and #Chargers extension talks: "They are not willing to move off a certain number."
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 26, 2019
Gordon is entering the final year of his rookie contract that will pay him $5.6 million this year, but he has much bigger plans.
He is adamant about receiving a new contract that will place him among the highest paid NFL running backs, and has threatened to sit out and demand a trade if his request is not met.
According to general manager Tom Telesco, there has been no ill-will between the two sides despite Gordon's absence.
While the two sides exchanged proposals in recent days, there is mounting pessimism Chargers’ holdout Melvin Gordon will be reporting anytime soon and his holdout threatens to go into the regular season, per sources. Time to rely on Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Detrez Newsome.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2019
The stalemate is taking a generous chunk out of Gordon's pocketbook due to the league's collective bargaining agreement rules. While he is still under contract, he will be fined $40,000 for every day of training camp missed.
In Gordon's absence, the Los Angeles Chargers will rely on Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome.