Los Angeles Chargers: Predicting the fate of the five biggest free agents

Melvin Gordon signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Deep down, I do believe that Melvin Gordon wants to stay with the Los Angeles Chargers. Everything he had said has indicated that to be true. During an appearance of PFT live, Gordon echoed these sentiments.

"“I got a lot of guys that I’m close to and I would love to be close to them holding that Lombardi trophy. Hopefully it’s here in L.A.”"

At the end of the day, though, the NFL is a business and after seeing how well Austin Ekeler performed as the marquee back and the existing history of running backs falling off after signing contracts, I think the Chargers will not offer Gordon anything close to what the market will offer him.

With that in mind, Gordon will go to a contending team that needs a running back and has shown they are willing to pay one, which may make the Pittsburgh Steelers a bit of a surprise, but hear me out.

First of all, the team reportedly tried to trade for Le’Veon Bell last season, indicating that they are okay with swallowing a sizable contract for a running back.

Second of all, there are a lot of concerns about the future of James Conner in Pittsburgh. Conner had a much worse season in 2019 after a breakout season in 2018 and has had nothing but health concerns in his NFL career.

Conner missed six games in 2019 and only piled up 464 rushing yards in 10 games with a measly four touchdowns.

Conner is in the last season of his rookie contract in 2020 and it is appearing more and more likely that he is not the franchise running back that the Steelers thought he would be, opening the door for Gordon to sign with Pittsburgh.

Spotrac estimates Melvin Gordon to get a four-year, $46.8 million contract, paying him $11.7 million per season. I think Gordon gets less than that and signs a four-year, $36 million deal, making him the fifth-highest paid running back while being cheaper than Bell would have been via trade.