Chargers should trade Melvin Gordon right now
By Allison Cary
Running back Melvin Gordon has requested a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers. Here’s why they should do it.
The Los Angeles Chargers are stuck in a stalemate with running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon has been with the team since he was drafted by the Chargers in first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. However, in the latest round of contract negotiations, Gordon wants more than the $10 million per year Los Angeles is willing to offer.
Gordon gave the team an ultimatum before the start of training camp: “Pay me or trade me.” Now, according to ESPN Reporter Josina Anderson, Gordon’s agent requested a trade for his agent last week. General manager Tom Telesco reportedly did not give the agent permission to seek trade partners.
The Chargers currently don’t want to trade Gordon. But they should consider it.
Right now, Gordon is holding out. If he sits out 10 games and then walks away from the team, the Chargers get nothing save six regular-season contests and potential playoff action. Gordon has been a staple of this team, but the Chargers have other options at the running back position. Justin Jackson, a seventh-round pick out of Northwestern, saw some quality snaps last season. They also have Austin Ekeler, who joined the team in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. In 2018, he got 106 carries for 554 yards and three touchdowns.
If the Chargers trade Gordon, they could probably get a second-round pick in return. Telesco seems to genuinely want to work this out with Gordon, but if the Chargers aren’t able to offer him anymore money, it’s hard to imagine Gordon suiting up for a full season with the Bolts in 2019.
The Chargers should move on from Gordon and focus on Ekeler and Jackson. In the meantime, nab a quality pick instead of a third-round comp. selection in 2021. Los Angles is a Super Bowl contender with or without Gordon. Might as well get nice return.