Melvin Gordon said farewell to the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, signing a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos in free agency.
Gordon's departure was widely expected. After all, the running back held out for a new contract through the first several weeks of the 2019 campaign and didn't get one. The Chargers then gave Austin Ekeler an extension earlier this month, which signaled Gordon's exit.
On Saturday, Ekeler took to Twitter to congratulate his former teammate. He also told him to be ready for the pair of meetings they will have in 2020.
Congratulations my guy @Melvingordon25, be seeing you at least twice this year 🤘🏽🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/hR1qKL2s9a
— Austin Ekeler (@AustinEkeler) March 20, 2020
During Gordon's absence over the first four games of this past season, Ekeler played very well. He averaged 122.5 all-purpose yards per game.
Naturally, Ekeler's touches dipped once Gordon returned, but that didn't stop him from remaining a threat.
On the season overall, Ekeler rushed for 557 yards and three touchdowns while logging 4.2 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 92 receptions for 993 yards and eight scores.
Now, Ekeler will be the featured halfback for Los Angeles moving forward.
The 24-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Western State in Colorado, went undrafted but was signed by the Chargers as a free agent in 2017.
Ekeler was relatively quiet during his rookie campaign, finishing with 260 yards and a couple of touchdowns on the ground while catching 27 passes for 279 yards and three scores.
The following year, Ekeler had a breakout season of sorts. The Lincoln, Ne. native totaled 554 yards and three scores as a rusher, posting a hefty 5.2 yards per attempt. He also snared 39 balls for 404 yards while reaching the end zone three times.
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