NFL Free Agency 2020: 5 Best landing spots for Melvin Gordon
By Samuel Teets
After an unsuccessful holdout last season, Melvin Gordon finally gets his chance to chase a big payday in 2020 NFL free agency.
Last year, Melvin Gordon held out into the season, hoping he could force the Los Angeles Chargers into giving him a long-term extension. While fellow running backs like Le’Veon Bell and Ezekiel Elliott cashed in using similar tactics, Gordon found out the NFL doesn’t view him in the same manner.
Gordon returned to the Chargers and played in the team’s final 12 games. However, he is now free to chase a major contract as an unrestricted free agent. Despite his lackluster performance this past season, plenty of teams will still inquire about signing Gordon in 2020 NFL free agency.
Before getting into the top five teams, honorable mentions go to the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. After several disappointing seasons, the Falcons could look to move on from Devonta Freeman.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Falcons might release the former Pro Bowler to save roughly $3 million in salary-cap space. Since signing a five-year, $41.25 million extension with Atlanta in 2017, Freeman has rushed for only 1,589 yards and nine touchdowns. However, even if they get rid of Freeman, it is unlikely the Falcons can afford Gordon.
When the Bears traded Jordan Howard for a sixth-round pick, the team’s running game went out the window. Chicago turned to Tarik Cohen, but the gadget back turned in the worst season of his career. Cohen ran for only 213 yards, averaging a measly 3.3 yards per carry.
David Montgomery, a rookie third-round pick, caught fire toward the end of the season. He finished the year with 889 rushing yards. However, can he make up for Mitchell Trubisky‘s shortcomings?
The Redskins recently picked up their team option on Adrian Peterson‘s contract. While the soon-to-be 35-year-old ran for nearly 900 yards last season, Washington should start looking toward the future at running back. The team recently invested draft picks in Derrius Guice and Bryce Love, but both pose injury concerns and have yet to produce at the NFL level.
Now, on to the top five fits for Melvin Gordon in 2020 NFL free agency.