As expected, Chargers RB Melvin Gordon did not report for the start of training camp as he begins his holdout in pursuit of a contract extension from the team, per Ian Rapoport.
- Rapoport adds the Chargers are expected to halt talks with Gordon to focus on the running backs who have reported to the team. The Chargers have “dug in” on their stance with Gordon and are expected to test his resolve.
- Gordon will train in Florida while he’s away from the team, according to Tom Pelissero. Pelissero also says the team still would prefer to extend Gordon.
- Gordon would be subject to fines while he’s away from the team, as he’s still under contract. In order for his contract to progress, he also has to report to the team at some point this year.
Gordon is seeking a new contract or trade from the Chargers. Through his agents, he’s said he would be willing to sit out training camp and even into the regular season, though it could cost him a year accrued toward free agency.
Gordon is entering the final year of his deal and playing out the 2019 season on his fifth-year option, which will pay him about $5.6 million.
Back in January, Gordon said he was waiting for then free-agent RB Le’Veon Bell to sign his deal, which ended up being for four years and a max of $61 million, before signing an extension with the Chargers.
Gordon’s agent has called the current offer on the table from the Chargers “disrespectful.”
Gordon, 26, is a former first-round pick out of Wisconsin by the Chargers in the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year $10.669 million rookie contract that was fully guaranteed and made a base salary of $1,889,967 for the 2018 season.
The Chargers picked up Gordon’s fifth-year option this past May worth $5,605,000 for the 2019 season.
In 2018, Gordon appeared in 12 games for the Chargers and rushed for 885 yards on 175 carries (5.1 YPC) to go along with 50 receptions for 490 yards receiving and 14 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 7 running back out of 62 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding the Chargers and Gordon as the news is available.
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