The official start to the 2022 NFL season has arrived. Countless deals agreed upon during the legal tampering period have a fresh signature at the bottom. However, there is still a large group of impactful, unsigned free agents. As RB Melvin Gordon waits anxiously for his next contract, let’s make some predictions on where he might end up during free agency.
Melvin Gordon 2022 free agency predictions
Gordon’s two-year, $16 million contract expired at 4 PM on March 16. The seven-year back earned a base salary of $4.5 million, somewhat of a bargain for a player of Gordon’s caliber. During his two years in Denver, Gordon contributed consistently, gaining 1,144 yards from scrimmage in 2020 and 1,131 yards in 2021.
After seven years in the league, Gordon is currently 29 years old and most likely coming into the final part of his NFL career. While he isn’t the running back he used to be, Gordon proved in 2021 that he still has plenty left in the tank to be a vital piece of a franchise’s backfield. With several teams needing an RB to tote the rock, who might sign Gordon?
Denver Broncos
There has reportedly been mutual interest between Gordon and the Denver Broncos. Yet, despite positive signs from both parties, the consensus is that Gordon will not be a Bronco when the 2022 regular season begins.
Gordon still desires to be the main back in an offensive system and does not want to re-sign with Denver if it means backing up second-year RB Javonte Williams. Williams burst onto the scene in 2021, rushing for 903 yards and scoring 7 total touchdowns. While both RBs split touches 50-50 in 2021, the Broncos seem primed to have Williams be the featured back of the offense.
Gordon’s return to Denver is not out of the question, but it will likely result from other franchises not wanting to make him the premier carrier.
Atlanta Falcons
At this point, the Falcons are waiting on dominos to fall. Atlanta has been deeply preoccupied with the Deshaun Watson situation, anxiously awaiting the QB’s decision. While they wait to see if a change under center will happen, there are other free agency questions to be answered. Most notably, will they retain RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson?
While Patterson has voiced interest in staying in Atlanta, a franchise that revitalized his career, the price may be too steep for the hybrid WR. Should Patterson not re-sign with the Falcons, the only other RB on the roster is Mike Davis.
There is a clear and present hole at the RB position that needs to be addressed as soon as possible if Atlanta ends up trading for Watson. Given their $13 million available in cap space, the Falcons could easily afford to bring Gordon in on a contract in the $4-6.5 million range. Making a move for Watson means competing now, and signing Gordon would give Atlanta a better chance at winning.
Houston Texans
It seems incredibly likely that the Texans will be unloading some amount of Watson’s salary through a trade. This gives Houston a bit more wiggle room to sign some new additions. Even without getting rid of Watson’s contract, the Texans have $9 million in cap space. David Johnson is also a free agent. Houston might want to upgrade as Johnson’s prime has passed. What about bringing in Gordon?
The question for Gordon becomes what’s more important: competing for a title or ensuring he has a starting role? Houston’s habit of signing veteran RBs could add another name to the list if they float Gordon an offer. He would get a starting gig and decent numbers in his contract, but is it worth the trade-off in team success?