Chargers GM's Comments on Melvin Gordon Proves the Organization Has No Idea What it's Doing
By Michael Luciano
For as laughable and as potentially damaging as the negotiations between Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys have been, at least Jerry Jones has a clear negotiating strategy that he's picked up from years of experience. He's playing hardball and waiting for Zeke to blink first.
Los Angeles Chargers GM Tom Telesco, normally one of the sharper GMs in the league, is totally out of his element when it comes to trying to agree to a new deal with running back Melvin Gordon. Telesco admitted that much when pressed about negotiations with Gordon.
Tom Telesco on Melvin Gordon holdout: "I'm disappointed it has lasted this long. I pride myself in having solutions to problems, and I haven't solved this one yet. We know what he means to our team, and even bigger than that what he means to our organization (Continued)
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) August 30, 2019
The 26-year-old Gordon ran for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns while picking up 495 yards as a receiver and scoring 14 total touchdowns in just 12 games.
Telesco is in almost an identical predicament to Jones. He has a win-now team built around a star running back, but is hesitant to pay him amid concerns he will lose the ability to pay other stars like Derwin James.
Gordon, who has already said he could consider sitting out just like Le'Veon Bell, isn't on the best terms with Chargers upper management.
Preach https://t.co/jjq4wZUEEn
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) August 29, 2019
Telesco better find a solution pretty quick, because as good as Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are, they can't replace Gordon's production as a receiver and runner.