Tom Telesco: Extension Talks With Melvin Gordon Postponed Until After Season

Per Gilbert Manzano, Chargers GM Tom Telesco announced Sunday that extension talks with RB Melvin Gordon would be postponed until after the season. 

“With the regular season now here, we have informed his representatives that discussions regarding contract extensions will be postponed until the conclusion of this season. So when or if Melvin reports, he’ll play this season on his current contract.” Telesco said via Manzano.

This comes a day after a report that the Chargers were allowing Gordon to seek a trade. 

Gordon has held out from camp and the preseason so far while embroiled in a contract dispute with the Chargers. Holding out into the regular season has become a real possibility for the veteran running back. 

The two sides remain entrenched in their respective positions and Rapoport says talks have not progressed as the running back has hoped. Gordon will train in Florida for the foreseeable future. 

Gordon is reportedly seeking a deal worth closer to $13 million per season from the Chargers. The team has refused to move off its offer of $10 million per season up until this point. 

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 on Gordon and the Chargers as the news is available.