NFL: Melvin Gordon’s Time With Chargers Could be Nearing an End
The Los Angeles Chargers have fallen into a bit of a hole in the first half of the season, having dropped five out of their first eight games played. Despite Melvin Gordon deciding to end his holdout during that span, there is a bit of unsettled dust with some lingering chatter that this may be his final year with the team. It has created the potential for him to be moved before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Melvin Gordon’s holdout
Throughout the entire offseason, Gordon chose to hold out from the Chargers in hopes of working out a new long-term extension. It was a situation that bled into the regular season with both sides not budging much to get a deal done.
Los Angeles reportedly offered him a deal that would have paid him around $10 million annually, but Gordon stuck firm to his stance with his holdout. However, he decided to come back before Week 4 action and made his season debut the following week against the Denver Broncos.
His return to the mix hasn’t been entirely smooth as he has struggled to find his footing that has led to more talk that his time with the franchise could be nearing an end much sooner than expected.
2 teams have interest in acquiring Melvin Gordon
Since Gordon has returned to the field, the Chargers have struggled to find success with him in the backfield as they hold a 1-3 mark in the first four games.
In truth, that record could be a winless mark if the Chicago Bears’ kicking struggles don’t continue to hamper them. Gordon did get his first touchdown of the season a nice 19-yard run against the Bears, but he has yet to rush for more than 32 yards in any contest.
The trade deadline is fast-approaching, which has led to teams such as the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills contacting the Chargers about trading for the Pro Bowler, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
There is no clarity on how willing Los Angeles is about moving on from Gordon, but the team could be intrigued by the offers made. What may also help ease the front office into this scenario is the play of backup Austin Ekeler, who has emerged as a dynamic dual-threat option in the backfield this season.
Ekeler has been a legitimate factor as a receiver with 51 catches for 507 receiving yards and five touchdowns. That alone could make the potential to garner draft pick assets and more financial flexibility that much more appealing to the Chargers.
The writing is on the wall for Melvin Gordon
Gordon may be back in the mix, but the fact that the two sides were unable to agree to a long-term deal gives off the vibe that the Chargers have their doubts.
The star running back has had notable health issues that could give them pause as they likely don’t want to be tied to a long-term deal like the Los Angeles Rams are with Todd Gurley, whose health is being micromanaged while limiting his role on the field.
There is no doubt that Gordon is one of the league’s talented running backs, but there appears that he is headed to a fresh start with another team. It may come down to whether the Chargers are willing to ease up a bit with their asking price as there appears to be possible trade scenarios on the board before Tuesday afternoon.
It may ultimately lie in the front office’s hands to determine whether they want to move on from Gordon now or wait until he walks in free agency next March.
