Chargers running back Melvin Gordon has threatened to skip training camp and even potentially ask for a trade if he does not receive a long-term extension from the club. Furthermore, his agent says there is a possibility that he could extend a holdout into the regular season. Apparently, that’s more than just talk. 
Last fall, when Sports Illustrated (Twitter link) spent a day with Gordon and his family, the running back was asked about his take on the Le’Veon Bell situation. Gordon’s father asked his son if he thought Bell would really sit out the entire year and the running back responded: “I would, too.”
“Come back and get hurt?,” Gordon asked, rhetorically. “Gave y’all everything he had for about five, six years. Y’all can’t pay the man?”
Gordon, meanwhile, has given the Chargers four years of service, including two Pro Bowl seasons. And, last year, he took a major step forward with an average of 5.1 yards per carry.
It’s debatable as to whether Bell’s stance paid off. Bell gave up $14.5MM on the Steelers’ 2018 franchise tag before signing a four-year, $52.5MM contract with $27MM fully guaranteed. It’s not quite the payday he had in mind, but a catastrophic injury would have prevented him from signing anything in that neighborhood.
If Gordon misses games, he’ll sacrifice roughly $330K per week, representing 1/17th of his $5.6MM salary.
Mama’s don’t let your babies grow up to be running backs
Situation is similar but if he loses out on $5.6M he will definitely recoup that next year. The rest of the AFC west is hoping he holds out.
I hope so I don’t want my chiefs facing him.
Just when bolts have roster to compete…this punk has to do me…me….me…dig me tribe. Go get duke johnson. Screw him.
I dunno man they’re running him in the ground while still on his rookie deal. Seems pretty transparent when teams do that and I dont blame the guy at all for saying enough is enough, time for yall to pay me
Yea cause I’m sure if your career was on the line you wouldn’t try and do whatever you could to secure the best possible life for you and your family!
Only 1 season of plus 1000 yards in his 4 year career. Sure he puts up td I wouldn’t pony up $ for that.
You’re completely throwing out his production in the passing game. While I’m in agreement that I wouldn’t shell out max money for MG3, what other option do the Chargers have given their win-now window with their defensive talent and aging QB?
Get that money
These guys have no integrity. If they don’t want to get hurt they should play chess
If your that upset don’t watch or just give your money to whatever billionaire you bow down too.
I’m not upset and eventually Melvin Gordon will bow to a billionaire
I know Bell tried to spin it as a win for him, he lost. Fool is trained to be an NFL RB, he was guaranteed $14.5MM for one year and decided not to play for that money. Now, he got much less than he wanted and missed out on $14.5MM. Hopefully Gordon learned what not to do from Bell… NFLPA May need to step in and protect the elite RBs, based on their track record, I am certain they will bungle it up some way.
If the NFLPA wanted to step in to protect RBs, (and all players) they would fight for 3 year max on rookie contracts. And also ditch the bs 5th year option.
These rules are unfair to all young players, but especially RBs who don’t have long career’s.
BTW, Bell did not lose his fight. He didn’t WIN as big as expected, but he still ended up with more guaranteed money than the 14.5, and now plays under a contract where his team doesn’t have incentive to run him into the ground!
The Charger will definitely need some top level talent to win over the fans when they get to L.A. next year. That will work in Gordon’s favor as he pursues a new contract.
Too bad All owners aren’t like Arthur Blank of the Falcons. He promised Julio Jones that a new deal would get done. Julio took him at his word and said he won’t hold out.