It seems like there won't be a satisfying end to the LA Chargers-Melvin Gordon standoff. With both sides unable to settle on a satisfactory contract, the possibility of the running back taking his talents elsewhere is becoming a real possibility.
He revealed to his followers during a live video on Instagram that he is definitely “going to play somewhere” this season. He explained that “it would be a waste of talent” if he didn't go out and suit up on Sundays.
ESPN's Eric D. Williams explained why the 26-year-old is holding out this season.
Gordon desires a contract extension that will compensate him among the top running backs in the league like Todd Gurley, David Johnson and Le'Veon Bell, who earn an average of $13 to $14 million annually. During training camp the Chargers offered Gordon a new contract that doubled his salary at roughly $10 million annually.
Gordon likely will continue to sit and wait to see if his leverage in negotiations changes during the season, depending on the Chargers' record or injuries at his position.
Gordon is set to be paid $5.605 million in the final year of his rookie contract. The talented Wisconsin product believes that he deserves the extra $3 million that the top running backs are getting.
His numbers show that he is worthy of the big money. Since his rookie season, he has notched at least 850 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, and 400 receiving yards. His offensive dynamism makes him an important asset to the Chargers offense.
However, the Chargers have their reservations about giving him that much money. With neither side budging, another NFL team may swoop in and offer a trade that Chargers may find too great to resist.