Report: Melvin Gordon could return from holdout sooner than expected
Melvin Gordon has yet to report to the Los Angeles Chargers as he continues to seek a new contract, and there has been talk that we may not see the star running back on the field until Week 10. However, he could be closer to making a return than many thought.
Gordon is considering returning to the Chargers sooner than he initially planned to, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. While no final decision has been made, he is leaning toward ending his holdout sooner rather than later.
Chargers’ RB Melvin Gordon’s holdout could soon be coming to an end, though no final decisions have made when to report, per league sources. He had planned to return at some point in October, but could soon be moving up his reporting date.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2019
The Chargers have not budged in negotiations with Gordon, and there’s really no need for them to. Gordon will continue to forfeit a portion of his $5.6 million salary for as long as he sits out, and the team could always place the franchise tag on him after the season if they want to keep him. Plus, Austin Ekeler has more than 350 total yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns through the first three weeks. That could be one of the reasons Gordon is getting antsy to return.
Gordon was given permission to seek a trade, and at least one team reportedly made an offer. However, there’s no need for interested teams to give up much, as Gordon and the Chargers appear to be headed for a divorce after the season. Any team that wants the running back can just wait and try to sign him as a free agent.
Gordon rushed for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns last year in just 12 games. He has been productive when healthy, but he has played a full 16-game season just once in his NFL career.
