Chargers RB Melvin Gordon's Holdout Reportedly Expected to Extend Into Regular Season
By Mark Powell
The Chargers have a problem on their hands: Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon.
The Wisconsin product and the franchise he's indebted to are far from agreeing on his perceived value in the NFL, and because of that Gordon's training camp holdout, which is now weeks in, is expected to last into the regular season should both sides stubbornly continue to stand pat.
At this point, #Chargers RB Melvin Gordon’s holdout is expected to continue into the season, sources say. Contract talks have not progressed as he hoped, and he’ll continue to train in Florida for the foreseeable future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 21, 2019
The Chargers wish to pay Gordon like a very-good-but-not-elite running back. Given the general turnover at the position, that equates to just over $10 million per season. Gordon, in turn, wants to cash in on his value as soon as possible to the tune of $14-$16 million per year.
Good luck with that.
No. 1 running backs in today's game are considered increasingly replaceable, with James Conner's breakout campaign in place of Le'Veon Bell last season serving as the latest example. Should Los Angeles fail to come to an agreement with Gordon, arguably their most productive player on offense, they'll look to slide in the likes of Austin Ekeler.
Melvin Gordon's holdout is expected to continue into the season, contract talks "haven't progressed as he hoped," per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/Af44ouodfJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 21, 2019
Gordon has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns combined the past two seasons, but injury issues also remain a long-term concern for LA, and a likely reason why they're hesitant to invest that much money into a long-term deal for the 26-year-old.