Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon has threatened to demand a trade if no extension is reached between him and the Chargers by the time training camp opens up in August, his agent Fletcher Smith told ESPN.
Gordon’s agent also said that the running back did not wish to go this route, but due to a lack of progression on an extension between Gordon and the Chargers, felt that this is the only way to voice his frustration in a way that will get the attention of the Chargers. Whether it be an extension with the Chargers or a trade to another team, Gordon feels that this is the best way to get a resolution to his situation.
Other top running backs across the NFL — David Johnson, Todd Gurley, and Le’Veon Bell all recently have received new contracts recently. Gordon, who has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in the last two seasons, feels that he is also deserving of a new, illustrious contract extension. Gordon is said to be unwilling to sign a new contract that does put his salary near or equal to what those other backs are earning annually.
Gordon, 26, is heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. The Chargers picked up his team option for a fifth season last April. The Kenosha, WI native is scheduled to earn $5,605,000 this season.
During the 2018 NFL season, Gordon averaged 5.1 YPC and recorded 14 total touchdowns for the Chargers. Gordon also averaged 114.6 yards from scrimmage per game, the best average of any Charger since Ladanlian Tomlinson averaged 121.8 yards from scrimmage per game in 2007. Since failing to rush for any touchdowns in his rookie season, Gordon has 1,079 touches from scrimmage (2nd in the NFL during that span only to Gurley), 5,205 scrimmage yards (2nd in the NFL during that span), and 38 total touchdowns (2nd in the NFL during that span).
