Could Melvin Gordon and the Buffalo Bills team up in the 2020 season? Apparently, there’s mutual interest in an agreement, according to Matt Parrino of NewYorkUpstate.com. Per Parrino, Gordon’s agency has spoken with the Bills about bringing Gordon to Buffalo.
Gordon, who turns 27 next month, is a two-time Pro Bowl running back with a complicated contract history. After the 2018 season, when he ran for 5.1 yards per carry, rushed for ten touchdowns, and added 490 receiving yards and four touchdown catches, Gordon was set to make $5.6 million in the final year of his rookie deal.
Instead, Gordon announced his intention to hold out for a more lucrative contract, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Le’Veon Bell. Bell missed an entire season of football holding out for money, and was rewarded with a four year, $52 million contract by the New York Jets.
The Los Angeles Chargers called Gordon’s bluff, and he stayed sidelined through training camp and into the regular season. The tactic backfired, with backup Austin Ekeler going over 120 yards from scrimmage in three of the team’s first four games. Gordon returned in Week 5, and played 12 games for the Chargers, but didn’t play up to his usual standard. He finished the season with 162 carries for 612 yards (3.8 yards per carry), with eight rushing touchdowns. He also caught 42 passes for 296 yards and another touchdown.
Now officially a free agent, Gordon was hoping for his lucrative deal, but that desired market hasn’t materialized. Maybe he’s open to a one-year “prove it” contract?