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Report: Things are starting to get ugly between Melvin Gordon, Chargers
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The Los Angeles Chargers and running back Melvin Gordon are still pretty far apart when it comes to contract negotiations. Now, things are getting ugly.
According to a report from Josina Anderson of ESPN, Gordon’s agent Damarius Bilbo requested that the Chargers trade the former Wisconsin running back. The team’s general manager, Tom Telesco, reportedly did not grant permission to start seeking out trade partners on his own.
Gordon has been looking for a new contract this offseason, but the Chargers are remaining firm on their initial $10 million per season offer. He has decided to hold out from training camp in an effort to get the organization to budge.
So far, it hasn’t happened.
Per ESPN, Gordon is heading into the last year of his contract, which is a fifth-year team option worth $5.6 million.
Considering the potential for a considerably short lifespan in the NFL, it’s understandable why a running back would want to capitalize on a big payday early in his career. And Gordon has certainly proved he’s worth the coin. In four seasons with the Chargers, the ex-Badger has rushed for 3,628 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s also accumulated 1,577 receiving yards and another 10 touchdown receptions.
The news of Gordon’s trade request comes just one day after former Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas ended his holdout after cashing in on a major payday. The Saints receiver agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB