Melvin Gordon, entering his fifth season in the NFL and thus still on his rookie deal, is dissatisfied with his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers and is taking those frustrations public:
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.
Elite backs in the NFL persistently face this issue. The five-year deals for first round picks lock them in at below market wages, and then when they hit their mid to late twenties the teams say they are nearing the end of their useful lives. Last year, Gordon missed four games with an injured knee, but when he was playing he averaged over five yards per carry. Gordon is slated to make $5.6 million this season.
Off the top of my head, if they could make the compensation work the Packers would be a great fit for Gordon. He is from and played college football at Wisconsin, and is the threat to catch passes out of the backfield that Aaron Rodgers has been sorely lacking. [Reply]
Since 2016, Melvin Gordon’s production: * 28 rushing TD, T-2nd most in the NFL * 10 receiving TD, T-4th most amongst RB * 38 TD from scrimmage, 2nd most in the NFL
A versatile, workhorse back. Will be interesting to see how LA values the RB position in this case. https://t.co/cNRcFxUt9P
But you're right, of course. The Chargers should pay him as a top-five running back since they're the favorite to win the division. Can't go changing things up when they're the favorite. [Reply]
Since 2016, Melvin Gordon’s production: * 28 rushing TD, T-2nd most in the NFL * 10 receiving TD, T-4th most amongst RB * 38 TD from scrimmage, 2nd most in the NFL
A versatile, workhorse back. Will be interesting to see how LA values the RB position in this case. https://t.co/cNRcFxUt9P
He's a good RB. But I can find a good RB anywhere (and the Chargers probably have 2 good ones behind him).
I guess “good” isn’t a terrible way to describe him, but I’m not even sure that he’s better than Damien Williams. He’s definitely overrated because of fantasy football. [Reply]
Originally Posted by staylor26:
I guess “good” isn’t a terrible way to describe him, but I’m not even sure that he’s better than Damien Williams. He’s definitely overrated because of fantasy football.
I think he's probably more "talented" but in terms of what he'll produce? Nope.
RB's are such a product of their system, unless they're just a special ass player but even then, I dunno how much i'd wanna pay one. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
Sucks for them, but they do have one do the best GM’s in the league who could easily replace him.
Getting a productive running back is just a matter of building a productive offense. If your offense is good, your backs will produce. There's no need to devote a lot of cap dollars or draft capital to the position. [Reply]
Since 2016, Melvin Gordon’s production: * 28 rushing TD, T-2nd most in the NFL * 10 receiving TD, T-4th most amongst RB * 38 TD from scrimmage, 2nd most in the NFL
A versatile, workhorse back. Will be interesting to see how LA values the RB position in this case. https://t.co/cNRcFxUt9P
He's a good RB. But I can find a good RB anywhere (and the Chargers probably have 2 good ones behind him).
Yes, yes, just focus on that. Focus on the cumulative stats that are a bi-product of being forced the ball as a #1 back. Good idea. Don't talk about his 3.9 YPC as a full time starter, his two broken knees, the fact that he couldn't score a TD till his 2nd season, or his inability to learn the playbook.
Hopefully that's what the Chargers are doing at least. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Detoxing:
Yes, yes, just focus on that. Focus on the cumulative stats that are a bi-product of being forced the ball as a #1 back. Good idea. Don't talk about his 3.9 YPC as a full time starter, his two broken knees, the fact that he couldn't score a TD till his 2nd season, or his inability to learn the playbook.
Hopefully that's what the Chargers are doing at least.
Ok but they forced him the ball as the number one overall back and he produced.
What you said is valid for sure but he’s a fine player
I would trade him and move on if I were the Chargers [Reply]