Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon has become an important part of the offense with his elusiveness and ability to break tackles.
Now the star running back is looking to get out of Los Angeles after reports surface that he is looking for an extension since he is set to go into the last year of his rookie contract which is his fifth-year option worth $5.6 million.
Since being drafted by the Chargers in 2015 Gordon has put up 28 rushing touchdowns (tied for 2nd most during that span), 10 receiving touchdowns (tied for 4th most among running backs during that span), and rushed for over 3,000 yards in his short but ascending career.
There’s no doubt about the contributions he’s put in since coming out of Wisconsin five years ago, he’s the Chargers workhorse because of his abilities.
Now, the Chargers can make a case for not giving Gordon the extension he wants as there is some injury history that comes with the ball carrier. In his rookie year, Gordon had a knee tear in Week 15 which got him placed on injured reserve. In 2016, he suffered a Grade 2 PCL strain in his right knee, while also battling an Inguinal hip sprain in Week 14.
Last season Gordon missed Week 7 due to suffering a hamstring strain in his left thigh, and in Week 12 he had a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee. It’s also worth noting that the Chargers are heading into training camp, which is less than a month away.
It’ll be worth keeping a close eye on whether the Chargers budge and give Gordon the contract he desires, or to see if the Chargers ship him out in what could be a championship year.