The Los Angeles Chargers have kicked off their training camp with high hopes for the 2019 season. Although, one of their key pieces of the offense in Melvin Gordon has been a no-show in hopes to land a new contract.
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Los Angeles and Melvin Gordon are $2-3 million apart in average salary. The Chargers are looking at a deal close to Devonta Freeman's while Gordon wants a deal near what David Johnson has.
Gordon is entering the final year of his rookie deal and wants to receive an extension ahead of time. In 2019, Gordon is set to make $5.6 million. That would put him as the 11th highest-paid running back this season.
Of course, the Chargers want to get Gordon back on the field but they have a set number that they'd be interested in signing Gordon to. Although, Gordon obviously isn't interested in accepting a deal at that number.
Devonta Freeman is in the midst of a five-year, $41,25 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. That is the range that the Chargers are interested in bringing back Gordon for.
As for Gordon, he wants to be paid as one of the league's best running backs (as he should be). David Johnson was given a three-year, $39 million contract last offseason from the Arizona Cardinals.
It's unlikely the Chargers give Gordon $13 million a year but Robinson of Yahoo Sports believes that $12 million could get the deal done. Nonetheless, for the time being, Los Angeles and Gordon are $2-3 million apart in contract talks.