Melvin Gordon has been unemployed since Tuesday, when his Broncos tenure came to an end and he passed through waivers unclaimed. The veteran running back believes that situation will change soon, however. 
In an interview with Mike Klis of 9News, Gordon addressed his Denver departure, which came about after his underwhelming season continued on Sunday. The Broncos’ overtime loss to the Raiders saw the 29-year-old post 31 rushing yards on eight carries, extending his streak of games averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry to eight. Most notably, though, was the fact that Gordon fumbled for the fifth time this season – an issue which remained present throughout recent seasons.
“No, that wasn’t even mentioned,” Gordon said, though, when asked if his ball security struggles played a role in the team’s decision to move on from him. “It was crazy when I’d seen that. Because [general manager] George [Paton], when he talked to me, he didn’t mention anything about that. He knew what type of environment it was for me. He knew how I felt toward my situation there and he told me about the fan base and how it’s been tough for me and said he didn’t want to put me through this anymore and with our situation it was probably best.”
The former first-rounder added that “several teams have expressed interest” in adding him as a free agent for the stretch run. Playoff-bound clubs are among those, including some who would be willing to add him to their practice squads for a short period before elevating him to the active roster. While such a scenario seemed highly unlikely entering the campaign after he re-upped with Denver this offseason, it would allow him to rebuild some value heading into 2023.
Gordon has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in 2022, matching his rookie season for the lowest such mark of his career. The Broncos’ injury-riddled offense has played a role in that lack of success, but his 2,275 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns scored between 2020 and 2021 in Denver could appeal to contending teams looking for backfield depth.
Reflecting on his time as a Bronco, the Wisconsin alum said that “there were times I felt like I was a scapegoat,” but added that he has “no hard feelings” towards the organization or its fans. If his stated level of interest is true, he should start his next football chapter in the near future.
Gordon can play, and despite his YPC stats, his ability to gain yardage was not his issue. The turnovers obviously were. There is little doubt that that also affected his mindset and that of the team as a whole. As far as issues on offense for Denver go, Gordon was not low on the list, but not right at the top, either. The question for teams looking at signing him is not “how can we get him to produce?” but rather “is the risk of him turning the ball over higher than the production he can give us?”
Gordon can produce in all phases of the offense-blocking, running inside, running outside on stretch plays, and catching the ball. He is not an elite talent, but he is versatile and can gain yardage. Unfortunately, another he produces is in turnovers. Whatever team signs him will have to have the ability to make up for those potential losses, have additional backs to step in if Gordon does lose the ball and is benched, and will have to have good coaching and team culture to limit the propensity mentally for Gordon to revert to that state. It’s a lot to ask for, but not many free agent backs have the experience and versatility that comes with Gordon. We will have to see if it’s worth it.
The fumbles are scary though. What team wants to give him carries in a crucial game?
What non contender needs a 30 year old?
I know he’ll get a job, but it’s hard to imagine him getting any more meaningful playing time this year.
I agree. You’re on the edge of your seat, and not in a good way, every time Gordon gains yards. Some team may get desperate enough (particularly following an injury) to take the tantalizing versatility Gordon offers, but as you said, those turnovers can sink all of that production in half a heartbeat.
“Nah man, nobody cares if I fumble.”
Just what any agent wants his recently unemployed running back saying out loud.
The turnover ration won’t work on a playoff bound team. Lost the conference championship on a Melvin Gordon fumble, not what any GM wants written in his epitaph.
Opposing defenses know now that Gordon fumbles. He’s a marked man.
Sounds like Rams to me.
Ravens. They collect washed up RBs.
They really do
I says Steelers
Perhaps Gordon should quit football and take the top police job in Gotham City. It’s not the end of the world if you fumble the phone when Batman calls.
Gordon had a very budget friendly contract, thus the fact that no one claimed him off waivers speaks volumes to the league’s REAL interest in him. If you remember, he was a free agent to start the season and re-signed with the Broncos for 1/4 of his 2021 salary when no one else showed any interest. It also doesn’t help that he’s almost 30 years old – but someone who needs a player to fill an injury need could offer him the veteran minimum to close out the season..
He def is a scapegoat. You can’t make that many mistakes though…with how Denver is playing it was just a matter of time before they dropped him. It’s still clear what they #1 prob is… Russ . He wasn’t doing himself many favors though!