Longtime NFL veteran running back Melvin Gordon signed a new contract with the Denver Broncos. Gordon spent the first five years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers (2015-2019) the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos (2020-2021).
Free agent RB Melvin Gordon is finalizing a deal to return to Denver, per @Schultz_Report. Gordon had over 1,000 scrimmage yards in both his seasons with Denver and now returns with Russell Wilson at QB. Broncos loading up.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 27, 2022
Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos, Agree to Contract
In 2021, Pro Football Focus recognized Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams as one of the NFL’s most elite running back duos. They became only the eighth pair in NFL history to each rush for 1,000 yards in a season. In week 14, PFF awarded Gordon a top-10 rushing grade among running backs (78.0). He and Williams were responsible for bringing Denver’s running game back to life.
Gordon finished the 2020 season with 215 carries for 986 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns to go along with 32 receptions for 158 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He led the team in all major rushing categories.
Gordon made his debut with the Broncos in week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. During the game, Gordon rushed 15 times for 78 yards and a rushing touchdown. In week four against the New York Jets, he had 23 carries for 107 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, including a game sealing 43-yard touchdown in a 37-28 victory. Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11, Gordon rushed 15 times for 84 yards and two rushing touchdowns during a 20-13 win. In Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gordon recorded 15 carries for 131 rushing yards during the 22-16 loss.
On March 26th, 2020, Gordon signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Denver Broncos. He became one of the rare running backs to provide solid value over the duration of a second NFL contract.
On July 13, 2019, Gordon told the Chargers that if he did not receive a new contract, he would demand to be traded and skip training camp. The goal was to make as much money as fellow running backs Todd Gurley, David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. All garnered a big second contract but did not live up to expectations.
Gordon has compiled 1,761 career touches. In February 2019, Gordon changed his jersey number from 28 to 25.
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