Melvin Gordon is Screwed in Current NFL Free Agency Landscape

Remember when Melvin Gordon extended his holdout from the Los Angeles Chargers three weeks into the 2019 regular season in an effort to land a contract extension before hitting free agency?

As we know, the Chargers wouldn't budge and the franchise even entered trade discussions for its former No. 15 overall pick. Now, with free agency heating up, there's been hardly any chatter regarding Gordon's market.

Given the current molding of the NFL's free agency landscape, that narrative likely isn't to change anytime soon for the 26-year-old running back.

Melvin Gordon’s market shrunk a bit more today. It’s down to Atlanta, Miami or Tampa Bay if he’s to see a true featured role in 2020. Those teams might fill backfield voids in the draft.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) March 16, 2020

What we're trying to say is that, barring an unprecedented turn of events, Gordon and his representatives should take their desired sum and flush it. The two-time Pro Bowler's value will only continue to plummet as the market continues to recognize itself.

Gordon became even more screwed when it was reported on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Rams are considering trading star RB Todd Gurley. For context, the former Georgia star signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with the Rams in 2018.

The Rams are reportedly willing to trade Todd Gurley ? https://t.co/yO13cbzLsq
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 18, 2020

The age-old saying is that running backs have a limited shelf life in the NFL and that mantra rang true after the latest montage of RBs to land lucrative extensions -- David Johnson, Le'Veon Bell, and Gurley -- have all turned out to be disasters.

All of the variables are working against Gordon landing his coveted rich contract.