Melvin Gordonwants a new contract before the Los Angeles Chargers open training camp next week and is preparing to hold out if he doesn't get one.
The running back told ESPN that teammates support his business decision, even if it means they'll press forward without their starter.
"They're all behind me. They all got my back," Gordon said this week. "They all told me 'You know what -- we don't really speak on contracts -- but you just go and do what's best for your family.' And I'm glad I got that support from them."
It's not just teammates that support Gordon if he holds out.
"A lot of running backs have reached out to me just saying go out and get what you deserve," Gordon said. "A lot. A lot of starters. A lot, a lot of backs."
Of course, a lot of running backs support Gordon getting paid long-term. Any boost in the RB market provides more opportunity for their own payday. Le'Veon Bell, whom Gordon supported last year, received heaps of praise from other backs for sitting out last season to get what he deemed a fair contract.
Gordon's agent told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport last week that the running back could hold out of training camp, and possibly regular-season games, if he doesn't get a new deal. Gordon would also request a trade if the Chargers aren't willing to give him a new contract. Gordon is set to earn $5.6 million on the fifth year of his rookie deal.
The running back said his business decisions don't mean he wants to leave L.A.
"Just because we're going through contract issues right now doesn't mean I want to get traded," he said. "I love being a Charger. I don't want them to feel like I don't want to be there."
As we saw with Bell last season, teammates changed their tune once regular-season games were missed and it became clear that the running back wasn't going to show up at all. If it comes to that for Gordon, we'll see if those same supportive teammates remain on his side.