This will be a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers. Melvin Gordon is set to become a free agent after playing out his rookie contract. Gordon held out in the beginning of the season but ultimately decided to end it early and return to action.

Gordon carried the ball 162 times for 682 yards this season with eight touchdowns. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry which was the fewest since his rookie season. Gordon has played all 16 games just once in his career. When it comes time for negotiations, both sides should want to reunite. Here is why the Chargers should make re-signing Gordon a priority.

3. Gordon is elite

This sounds so simple, and it is. Gordon is a huge threat in the backfield because he can carry the load and catch the ball effectively. There are tiers in sports and Gordon is on the second tier of running backs in the league.

Gordon has scored 36 touchdowns over the last four seasons and has run for 880 or more yards in three of the four. He has fumbled just 11 times in his five year career. There are few running backs that can be trusted on an every down basis and Gordon is one of those players.

2. Chargers could build strong duo

During Gordon's holdout, Austin Ekeler filled in and was the Chargers No. 1 option. He finished with 96 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. Ekeler turned in three 100 yard receiving games in 2019 and finished with 15 catches in Week 5. The emergence of Ekeler could be seen as a reason to let Gordon walk, but it should be viewed the other way.

Re-signing Gordon to pair with Ekeler would give the Chargers one of the best running back duos in the league. Their skill position players would be deep as they have Keenan Allen as their No. 1 receiver as well. Gordon and Ekeler are two players that compliment each other well and would give opposing defenses fits.

1. Could Los Angeles afford to lose QB1 and RB1?

The Chargers have already decided that they are going to part ways with Philip Rivers. They will be on the search for their next quarterback to lead the team. Could they afford to lose two top players in one year?

The Chargers have been linked to Tom Brady but that is pure speculation. The Chargers are in a position to draft a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. If they decide to go with a younger signal caller, it would behoove the team to have an experienced and dynamic group of running backs. Gordon would lead that charge.