Melvin Gordon says NFL running backs are 'kinda screwed'

Melvin Gordon shares a similar story with so many high-profile NFL running backs. He was a one-time first rounder. Now, he’s one of the lowest paid guys on his team.

And seemingly like every other starting running back this year, he’s not thrilled at what’s happening, financially, to his position.

“We’re kind of screwed, I feel like, for the next couple years,” Melvin Gordon told reporters. “So, the only thing we could do is just kind of stack it and just ball out.”

The Ravens recently signed Gordon to a free agent deal as JK Dobbins continues to conduct what some describe as a “hold in.” Baltimore placed Dobbins on its physically unable to perform list to start training camp. Coach John Harbaugh said he’s talking to his starting tailback.

“The ball is in J.K.’s court,” Harbaugh told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. “We have talked. We talked again yesterday. (And) we had a great conversation. I do expect him back very soon, but I don’t have anything to say about it. It’s up to J.K., so hopefully that will happen soon.”

Baltimore was able to sign Gordon, who has earned roster spots in two Pro Bowls, to a one-year, $1.65 million deal. ESPN said that makes Gordon, a former Wisconsin star and first-round pick in 2015, the 19th-highest paid offensive player for Baltimore.

There are disgruntled running backs everywhere. The last two backs who won NFL rushing crowns are both pushing for more money. And there’s a good chance they won’t be playing for their current teams.

Josh Jacobs, who led the league in rushing in 2022, declined to sign the Raiders franchise tag offer. He didn’t participate in minicamp and he’s not around for training camp. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor asked the Colts to trade him. He won the rushing title in 2021. but missed games last year because of an ankle injury. He’s still rehabbing the injury and now is doing it off site as the Colts go through training camp.

ESPN Stats & Information recently uncovered a telling detail. No running back who has led the league in rushing is on contract beyond 2023. Ezekiel Elliott, who led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018, doesn’t even have a team, as yet, since the Cowboys released him because of financial reasons. Kareem Hunt, the former Chief who led the league in 2017, could be either signing with the Saints or Colts.

Titans star Derrick Henry won rushing crowns in 2019 and 2020. He organized a Zoom meeting last month that brought together running backs across the NFL to vent about their paychecks.

Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon is trying to stay relevant. His new coach appreciates his efforts.

“He’s working on his own, extra,” John Harbaugh said of Melvin Gordon. “He’s been at every practice, he’s taken every single rep. He’s having a heck of a camp. I think he’s looks really good his ability to change speed through the hole and accelerate [and] change the angle on a tackler. We’ll see in the games. Obviously, he’s a very talented player, and he sure looks good to me.”