One of the Denver Broncos’ offensive MVPs over the past two seasons is returning, as Jordan Schulz reported veteran running back Melvin Gordon will be re-signing with the team.
Breaking: FA RB Melvin Gordon is re-signing with the #Broncos, per source.
A 2x Pro Bowler w/the #Chargers, Gordon — who just turned 29 — tallied 1,904 yards and 20 TDs his last two seasons, both with Denver. (Melvin also visited the #Ravens.) Huge get for Russell Wilson. 🐎
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2022
Ian Rapoport corroborated the report and also added that Gordon’s deal is a one-year deal worth ‘up to’ $5 million.
#Broncos RB Melvin Gordon is re-signing with Denver, as the two sides have agreed to terms on a 1-year deal worth up to $5M, source said. A key move before the draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2022
During free agency, qualifying language like ‘up to’ can be telling. It suggests that a healthy portion of that salary is incentive-based, though how large that portion is, we don’t know as of now.
Since signing with the team in 2020, Gordon has been one of the most productive players on the team and has frequently fueled the offense during stretches of inept quarterback play.
In each of his two seasons, Gordon gained over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 touchdowns, totaling 2,275 yards and 20 touchdowns while in orange and blue.
With concerns about Javonte Williams’ vision and patience potentially making him a non-ideal fit in Nathaniel Hackett’s scheme, bringing back the scheme-diverse Gordon is a solid insurance policy.
Gordon also has past experience playing with Russell Wilson, as their careers briefly overlapped at the University of Wisconsin, before Wilson entered the 2012 NFL Draft.
Concerns do linger about Gordon’s age and usage, as few running backs fail to produce at a high level during their third contract, but with the former Wisconsin Badger performing at such a high-level last season, the Broncos are clearly optimistic that he’ll buck the trend.
Gordon also means Denver doesn’t have to target a replacement in the draft. Retaining a veteran presence like him on such a young offense certainly has appeal to a team in win-now mode.
