Melvin Gordon Reportedly Tells Chargers He'll Demand a Trade Unless He Lands New Contract
With the 2019 NFL regular season roughly two months away, fans for every team surely are hoping all offseason drama stays away. Well, we've got bad news for you, Chargers faithful.
On Thursday morning, NFL insider Adam Schefter has dropped his very own version of a Woj Bomb, reporting L.A. superstar Melvin Gordon has informed the organization he'll demand a trade unless he receives a new contract.
Los Angeles running back Melvin Gordon has informed the Chargers that unless he receives a new contract, he will not report to training camp and he will demand a trade, his agent Fletcher Smith told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2019
Melvin Gordon Contract
Melvin Gordon is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him $5.6 million. Safe to say he'd like to cash in soon, as the shelf life for running backs is notoriously short.
Melvin Gordon is the only running back in the NFL to earn an 80.0-plus grade when carrying the football against a defense with eight or more men in the box.https://t.co/DnjF3mBDVO pic.twitter.com/HnR2E3owii
— PFF (@PFF) July 11, 2019
Chargers Depth Chart
Should they lose out on Gordon, the Chargers depth chart at running back looks slightly murky. Austin Ekeler would likely take over the starting duties, with Justin Jackson slotting in behind him.
Melvin Gordon was chosen 5 picks after Todd Gurley in 2015. Gurley in second contract and ranks as highest-paid RB in NFL. Gordon has 28 rushing touchdowns in four seasons. Had just 55 yards on 26 carries in 2018 postseason against two top defenses - Ravens and Patriots. https://t.co/II4pXO7iiv
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) July 11, 2019
Talk about making a statement. Last season, Gordon rushed for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those impressive numbers came in just 12 games, as he missed four contests due to injury.
Still, when healthy, there's no questioning he's one of the best backs in the NFL and is a game-changer when the ball is in his hands.
Unless he has a new deal, Chargers’ RB Melvin Gordon will not report to training camp, not when he currently is scheduled to be heading into the last year of his contract, a fifth-year option, worth $5.6 million dollars.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2019
When you take a look at how much Gordon will be making this upcoming season, the last year of his current deal, it's not hard to see why he wants his new contract before Week 1 arrives.
Now, fans everywhere will have to wait and see if the Chargers give him what he wants, or if L.A. decides to pull off some kind of a blockbuster trade.