LOS ANGELES — Former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon had been searching for a new contract closer to his worth, on Friday morning the Denver Broncos rewarded him with a 2-year, $16 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed. Last year the Chargers offered Gordon a contract worth more than $10 million per season, but decided to hold out. Gordon returned to the team near mid-season, but the team and Gordon were never the same.
Gordon stays in the AFC West division and adds a solid 1-2 combo with fellow running back Philip Lindsey in Denver. Gordon was not fully comfortable in head coach Anthony Lynn system, because of his lack of patience. Austin Ekeler who recently signed a massive extension, outplayed Gordon at crucial times throughout the season, due to his patience waiting for open holes. One thing is for certain the Bolts will miss Gordon’s ability to make moves inside the red zone.
The $8 million annual average currently makes Gordon the fourth-highest paid running back behind Derrick Henry, Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott to name a few. Gordon ran for 4,240 yards and 36 touchdowns, 1,873 receiving yards and 224 receptions in five seasons with the Chargers. He made his mark in Los Angeles, between attending events, making guest television appearances, always friendly with the local media, his presence on and off the field will be missed in Los Angeles with the powder blue and gold.
Now Gordon enters a new chapter with the Broncos, a new quarterback in Drew Lock and a back-to-back thousand yard rusher in Lindsey that is very illusive between the tackles. Lindsey and Gordon can create nightmares for opposing defenses throughout the AFC. Gordon can run and catch out of the backfield that only enhances the dynamics for a potent offense this coming season in Denver.
