Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is set to sit out until he receives his contract extension that he feels he deserves.
While most fans are mixed about the hold out, Gordon’s teammates are all supportive for his decision no matter what that may be, even if it means taking the field without him next week and possibly beyond that point.
“They’re all behind me. They all got my back. They all told me ‘You know what — we don’t really speak on contracts — but you just go and do what’s best for your family.’ And I’m glad I got that support from them.”
It’s not just teammates that support Gordon if he holds out.
“A lot of running backs have reached out to me just saying go out and get what you deserve. A lot. A lot of starters. A lot, a lot of backs,” Gordon said, per ESPN’s Sam Alipour.
It’s no surprise that his teammates have supported him at this point. He hasn’t necessarily held out yet but it’d be interesting to see if that remains the case weeks into the regular season.
To hear that most running backs have Gordon’s back is not that surprising, either.
The majority of those who have yet to get to the point of an extension are hoping Los Angeles will pay him roughly around that average of $12-13 million to set the expectation for the positional group when their time comes.
Gordon is slated to earn $5.6 million in 2019, a team option in the final season of his five-year rookie deal. Despite the contract dispute, he still hopes to remain a Charger.
The two-time Pro Bowler has led the team in rushing in each of the last three seasons with an average of 996 rushing yards and 9.3 rushing touchdowns per season. Gordon posted his best season yet in 2018, totaling 1,375 yards and 14 total touchdowns.
If Gordon is not going to be a participant next week when camp begins, we can expect to see a handful of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson as the one-two punch with Detrez Newsome, Troymaine Pope and undrafted free agent Jeremy Cox all fighting for the final roster spot.
