Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon sent some ripples through the NFL world on Thursday morning, telling the team that he wants a long term contract or he will be holding out of training camp and demanding a trade.
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.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2019
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the two sides have been trying to work out a new deal, but so far the two sides haven't found common ground.
Melvin Gordon's agent recently informed the #Chargers that Gordon won't report to training camp and will demand a trade if no new contract is reached (as @adamschefter said). The sides have been negotiating and L.A.'s goal is still to sign Gordon long-term. RB deals always tricky
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 11, 2019
Pelissero also points out that unlike Le'Veon Bell last year, who held out the entire season, Gordon will be subject to fines since he is under contract right now. Gordon is slated $5.6 million this year, but is an unrestricted free agent after the season so it makes sense he would like to get a long term deal locked in.
Last season, Gordon missed four games with a knee injury, but was a standout on the field when he was healthy. He rushed for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns and also caught 50 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns. It's unclear exactly what the Chargers are thinking in terms of Gordon, or how long they want to go but it might make sense that the team was a little concerned about the injuries.
Either way this demand will no doubt put some pressure on the Chargers to try and get something done. The Chargers have Super Bowl dreams this season, and losing Gordon would be a big hit to their chances.
Training Camp for the Chargers is set to kick off on July 25th, so the two sides will need to reach an agreement before that or the expectation is that Gordon won't be present.