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Not surprisingly, Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon did not show up for training camp on Wednesday, as Gordon is seeking a new contract.
But the Chargers are making it clear they want Gordon on the team, as general manager Tom Telesco said that he loves Gordon and wants him to remain a member of the Chargers, according to Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register. Telesco added that Gordon has handled the current situation professionally.
Telesco also dropped several compliments about Gordon, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic:
“He's an excellent player,” said Telesco. “He's tough. Great work ethic, and he represents our organization extremely well. But he's not here.”
Gordon is entering the final year of his current deal and is on track to make $5.605 million in 2019.
The 26-year-old is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he played 12 games, missing some time due to a knee injury. When he was on the field, 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.
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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 quiet rookie year, finishing with 641 yards while registering 3.5 yards per attempt, but in his second season, he totaled 997 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. He also caught 41 passes for 419 yards and a couple of scores, making his first Pro Bowl.
Gordon then proceeded to play in all 16 games in 2017, marking the only full season he has played thus far in his career.
He ended up recording 1,105 yards while reaching the end zone eight times on the ground, logging 3.9 yards per attempt.
