Los Angeles Chargers end Melvin Gordon extension talks

The Los Angeles Chargers today announced through general manager Tom Telesco that the organization will no longer entertain contract negotiations with their star running back Melvin Gordon until the conclusion of the 2019 NFL season.

According to Gilbert Manzano, Telesco stated that “with the regular season now here, we have informed his representatives that discussions regarding contract extensions will be postponed until the conclusion of this season. So when or if Melvin reports, he’ll play this season on his current contract.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the Chargers telling Gordon’s agent that he was free to seek a trade. This continues their strong public stance since their initial (incredibly generous) offer was rejected by Gordon and his agent.

The Chargers front office clearly recognizes that they have all of the leverage in this situation, and they refuse to be held hostage by the very talented but (unfortunately for him) very replaceable veteran running back. Refusing to give in to their vocal star cannot possibly have been easy, but it is clearly the best course of action for the franchise and Tom Telesco and co. should be commended for remaining steadfast.

For now, the team can easily make do with Justin Jackson and Austin Ekeler who form one of the NFL’s best backfields even without Gordon. If Gordon wishes to get credit for the season, he will need to return. It will be interesting just how long he is willing to continue his holdout now that the team has told him they are done playing around.