The official begin to the 2022 NFL season has arrived. Numerous offers agreed upon through the authorized tampering interval have a recent signature on the backside. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless a big group of impactful, unsigned free brokers. As RB Melvin Gordon waits anxiously for his subsequent contract, let’s make some predictions on the place he would possibly find yourself throughout free company.
Melvin Gordon 2022 free company predictions
Gordon’s two-year, $16 million contract expired at 4 PM on March 16. The seven-year again earned a base wage of $4.5 million, considerably of a discount for a participant of Gordon’s caliber. Throughout his two years in Denver, Gordon contributed constantly, gaining 1,144 yards from scrimmage in 2020 and 1,131 yards in 2021.
After seven years within the league, Gordon is at the moment 29 years outdated and most certainly coming into the ultimate a part of his NFL profession. Whereas he isn’t the working again he was once, Gordon proved in 2021 that he nonetheless has loads left within the tank to be a significant piece of a franchise’s backfield. With a number of groups needing an RB to tote the rock, who would possibly signal Gordon?
Denver Broncos
There has reportedly been mutual interest between Gordon and the Denver Broncos. But, regardless of constructive indicators from each events, the consensus is that Gordon won’t be a Bronco when the 2022 common season begins.
Gordon nonetheless wishes to be the primary again in an offensive system and doesn’t need to re-sign with Denver if it means backing up second-year RB Javonte Williams. Williams burst onto the scene in 2021, speeding for 903 yards and scoring 7 complete touchdowns. Whereas each RBs cut up touches 50-50 in 2021, the Broncos appear primed to have Williams be the featured again of the offense.
Gordon’s return to Denver shouldn’t be out of the query, however it would doubtless end result from different franchises not desirous to make him the premier provider.
Atlanta Falcons
At this level, the Falcons are ready on dominos to fall. Atlanta has been deeply preoccupied with the Deshaun Watson state of affairs, anxiously awaiting the QB’s determination. Whereas they wait to see if a change below heart will occur, there are different free company inquiries to be answered. Most notably, will they keep RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson?
Whereas Patterson has voiced curiosity in staying in Atlanta, a franchise that revitalized his profession, the worth could also be too steep for the hybrid WR. Ought to Patterson not re-sign with the Falcons, the one different RB on the roster is Mike Davis.
There’s a clear and current gap on the RB place that must be addressed as quickly as attainable if Atlanta finally ends up buying and selling for Watson. Given their $13 million out there in cap house, the Falcons might simply afford to convey Gordon in on a contract within the $4-6.5 million vary. Making a transfer for Watson means competing now, and signing Gordon would give Atlanta a greater probability at successful.
Houston Texans
It appears extremely doubtless that the Texans shall be unloading some quantity of Watson’s wage by way of a commerce. This provides Houston a bit extra wiggle room to signal some new additions. Even with out eliminating Watson’s contract, the Texans have $9 million in cap house. David Johnson can also be a free agent. Houston would possibly need to improve as Johnson’s prime has handed. What about bringing in Gordon?
The query for Gordon turns into what’s extra essential: competing for a title or making certain he has a beginning function? Houston’s behavior of signing veteran RBs might add one other title to the listing in the event that they float Gordon a suggestion. He would get a beginning gig and first rate numbers in his contract, however is it definitely worth the trade-off in crew success?
