Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon wants a new contract, and he is threatening to hold out if he doesn't get one.
Gordon is not only hoping to make some more money for himself, but he is also hoping to end the trend of running backs not being valued as highly as they should across the NFL:
“We’re definitely devalued,” said Gordon in June, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “We definitely are. That’s just kind of how we’re looked upon in the league right now.”
Gordon is entering the final year of his deal and is set to earn $5.6 million in 2019.
The 26-year-old is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he rushed for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 50 receptions for 490 yards and four scores en route to a Pro Bowl appearance. However, he missed four games due to a knee injury.
Gordon, who played his collegiate football at the University of Wisconsin, was originally selected by the Chargers in the first round (15th pick overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He had a rough rookie year, totaling 641 yards while registering just 3.5 yards per carry, but the following season, Gordon made his first Pro Bowl after totaling 997 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Still, he recorded just 3.9 yards per attempt.
Below average efficiency had been a recurring theme for Gordon prior to 2018, as while he accumulated 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns as a rusher in 2017, he posted just 3.9 yards per carry.
Regardless, Gordon expects to be paid more, and if Los Angeles doesn't meet his demands, a Le'Veon Bell-type of situation might ensue.
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