Melvin Gordon missed the first game of Week 1 with Los Angeles Chargers and miss the entire 2019 regular NFL season. Gordon was sitting on a holdout since the preseason games as he wanted a new contract extension. While the Charges were ready to offer him $10 million per year, the running back wanted more. Gordon asked the Chargers for the $13-$15 million range of Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley and Le’Veon Bell.
I keep searching for Melvin Gordon news every day like he’s gonna magically sign a fucking contract or some shit. I hate myself
— a butter (@aaarnjms) September 5, 2019
While all these are elite class RBs, Gordon comes nowhere in the race. Hence the Chargers refused his request and entered the opening game against Indianapolis Colts without Gordon. The backup running back Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson did an amazing job and Charges won the game at 30-24. It looks like they are now fully confident in Ekeler and he will replace Gordon for the rest of NFL 2019 season.
Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson
Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson combined rushed for 115 yards and sealed the opening victory for the Chargers. Ekeler alone made two receiving touchdowns and it was enough for him to prove his value to the team. The Colts were missing Andrew Luck as Jacoby Brissett couldn’t handle the pressure and was constantly getting attacked by the Chargers defensive side.
Austin Ekeler: 18 touches, 154 yards, 3 TD.
Justin Jackson: 7 touches, 61 yards.
Melvin Gordon: 0 touches, 0 leverage.— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) September 8, 2019
While Ekeler and Jackson were always an important part of the Chargers offensive side, now they get to take the leading role. LA Chargers are confident in the duo and it’s for them to move on from Melvin Gordon.
Chargers are Ready to Move Out Gordon
The Chargers are playing tough with Melvin Gordon and has left him with very fewer options. Gordon has been told to sit the rest of regular season out or join back the team at its initial rookie contract salary of $5.6 million. The biggest fallout between Gordon and Chargers happened when the star player started to follow other teams on Instagram.
I spoke with a league source, here’s the latest on Melvin Gordon:
Chargers won’t budge on their offer ($10-$11 Million range annually). Would make him the 5th highest paid RB in the NFL. Gordon’s agent is actively seeking trade. Negotiations have halted. It’s sign or trade time.
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) September 6, 2019
Los Angeles side didn’t like the move at all and ended all the trade negotiations with him. The Chargers want a first and fifth-round pick which any NFL team would hardly agree for. Gordon can’t do much as could lose his entire salary if he doesn’t report back to the team by Week 10 deadline.
