Subscribe
Follow Us
There's been no indication of progress between Melvin Gordon and the Los Angeles Chargers on the star running back's recent trade demand. As a team source told ESPN's Josina Anderson, though, the Chargers still list Gordon as their top option in the backfield despite the strong play of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson in the team's preseason opener.
Progress update on #LAC RB Melvin Gordon~text yest said, "nothing at all." But I was told the team recently reached out to Gordon to say "he's still missed & still family." Though I was told LA was really happy w/ efficiency of AK & JJ vs. ARZ, told still view Gordon "as our #1."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 13, 2019
Gordon has yet to participate in training camp after he and Los Angeles failed to reach an agreement on a re-structured contract. The two-time Pro Bowler is reportedly seeking a starting salary of $13 million per year, but the Chargers have been reluctant to meet his wishes, instead offering him a deal a couple million dollars below his asking price.
Article Continues Below
Gordon reported to minicamp in June, making perfectly clear he was counting on receiving a new contract from the Chargers. Throughout months of slow negotiations, Los Angeles and general manager Tom Telesco have reiterated it hopes to bring Gordon back into the fold.
A first-round pick in 2015, he averaged a career-best 5.1 yards per carry last season en route to 885 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, also adding 50 catches for 490 yards and four scores, despite being limited to 12 games due to injury. He’s slated to earn $5.6 million this season before hitting the free-agent market next spring.
Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have split duties with the Chargers' first-team offense during Gordons's holdout. Coach Anthony Lynn has lauded both players for stepping up, expressing confidence in Los Angeles' ability to be successful offensively even if Gordon remains away from the team.
