Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Chargers and RB Melvin Gordon have exchanged proposals in recent days. However, Gordon’s holdout is expected to be prolonged and threatens to last into the season.
The Chargers will turn to Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome in Gordon’s absence.
On Wednesday, Chargers GM Tom Telesco said he understands Gordon’s position, but it doesn’t mean he agrees with it either.
“I love Melvin Gordon,” Telesco said. “He’s an excellent player. He’s tough. He has a great work ethic and represents our organization extremely well. But he’s not here.
“I understand his thoughts and opinions of what he’s going through. I always look at the player’s side, so I can see it. It doesn’t mean I agree with it, but I can kind of see what his thought process is.”
Los Angeles has placed Gordon on the did not report list.
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.
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.
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