Melvin Gordon, Chargers Contract Talks Suspended Until After Season Amid Holdout
September 1, 2019
The Los Angeles Chargers have ceased contract negotiations with running back Melvin Gordon, general manager Tom Telesco told reporters Sunday.
"When or if Melvin reports, he'll play this season under his current contract, and we'll just revisit it after the season," Telesco said.
Gordon has one more year remaining on his rookie contract and will earn a little more than $5.6 million in 2019. The two-time Pro Bowler has engaged in a protracted holdout this offseason in search of a new deal.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday the Chargers granted Gordon's representatives the opportunity to explore his trade market. Rapoport added a return to L.A. was among the outcomes still on the table for the 26-year-old.
As Pro Football Talk highlighted, the development didn't necessarily bring a resolution any closer to fruition:
Gordon is one of two marquee running backs holding out for a long-term contract. The Dallas Morning News' David Moore reported the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott have "significant ground to cover" before potentially reaching an agreement.
According to Rapoport, Gordon is looking for more than the $10 million annually the Chargers offered on his next deal.
The Chargers open the regular season Sept. 8 at home to the Indianapolis Colts. Williams noted Gordon is still on the reserve/did-not-report list, so he isn't on the team's official 53-man roster at the moment.
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