Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is set to hit free agency this offseason and it should be an interesting situation for all parties involved. After a pointless four-game holdout, Gordon returned to play 12 games and it took him a few weeks to get back to his normal self. During his four-game absence, the Chargers were granted with great production from second-string running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason but after this year, I’m sure the two sides can agree on a new contract. Gordon is 26 years old and coming off a subpar season in the most important time of his career. Let’s take a look at how Melvin Gordon’s free agency can pan out.
Melvin Gordon Free Agent Profile
Melvin Gordon has made it very clear that he wants to return back to the Chargers with a new contract in hopes of making a super bowl run. The two sides engaged in contract negotiations during the season but couldn’t come to an agreement on a deal. It was reported that he was offered 10 to 11 million dollars but we don’t know how true that is. The most important part of negotiating contracts is the guaranteed money involved in the deal. According to spotrac.com, Gordon’s market value is set at 11.7 million dollars per year. Most likely it would be a four-year deal worth 46 million dollars. That would slot Gordon as the fifth-highest paid running back in the NFL.
Don’t Pay Running Backs
The case to not pay running backs a second contract can be made and rightfully so. NFL teams love to get as much production as possible out of running backs while they can and then move on to the next man up. In today’s league, the running back is not considered a premium position. Largely, due to the fact that you can find talented running backs for very cheap.
Just look at Devonta Freeman, Todd Gurley, and David Johnson. All three players were coming off a great year and were looking to cash in with new contracts. At the time Freeman got a new contract and started having injury concerns. The same goes for Gurley and Johnson.
In addition, for a player like Melvin Gordon who’s played in one full 16 game season, it’s hard for teams to want to pay him.
Potential Landing Spots
A return to Los Angeles shouldn’t be ruled out but it would be incredibly naive to not consider some landing spots for Melvin Gordon.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have been without consistent running back play for way too long. Tampa Bay hasn’t seen a 1,000-yard rusher since 2015. Obviously, the quarterback position is the most important question mark for this team but they could benefit from adding a talented veteran back like Gordon. Gordon fits this scheme perfectly. He’s a versatile back who can help in the passing game and not just run the football.
Houston Texans
There is no long term answer at the running back position for the Texans and that’s why Gordon makes so much sense as a potential fit. Already a good offense with a star quarterback and receiver, Gordon could be the missing piece for this offense. The offensive line isn’t the best but Gordon’s ability to make defenders miss bodes well for both parties.
Melvin Gordon Free Agent Profile Wrap-up
Melvin Gordon is a proven talented running back. Yes, he’s 26 years old with some injury concerns. Bt he brings so much to any offense in today’s game. With the NFL being such a passing league today, it helps if you are a versatile back. Gordon rarely has to come off the field. My prediction on Gordon’s free agency is that the Chargers and Gordon can agree on a new contract that keeps the pro-bowl running back in Los Angeles.
