The Los Angeles Chargers and running back Melvin Gordon are not expected to agree to a contract before the start of free agency, allowing him to test the open market.
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Gordon is expected to hit free agency, despite hoping that both parties would be able to work a deal.
After a four-game holdout due to contract disputes, Gordon returned to the action while playing under the franchise tag, finishing with 612 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while adding 42 receptions for 296 yards and a score.
It’s expected that plenty of running back-needy teams will show interest in the former Wisconsin product. Despite being banged up with various injuries throughout the course of his professional career, Gordon has still produced.
In five NFL seasons, the 26-year old has tallied 4,240 yards on the ground and 36 touchdowns on 1,059 carries (4.0 yards per carry). On top of that, Gordon has caught 224 passes for 1,873 yards and 11 scores.
Moving forward with the Chargers backfield, the team has Austin Ekeler, despite being a restricted free agent and Justin Jackson. Ekeler will likely receive the tender and they could find a cheap rental like LeSean McCoy or draft one in the later rounds.
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