GORDON SKIPS CHARGERS CAMP
Running back is in the last year of his rookie contract, and he wants more money.
COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers placed running back Melvin Gordon on the reserve/did not report list Wednesday as players went through physicals and meetings.
Gordon is going into the final year of a rookie contract and will earn $5.6 million this season.
Gordon has gained over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 or more touchdowns in three straight seasons. He was sixth in the AFC in yards from scrimmage (1,375), ninth in rushing (885 yards) and scored 14 touchdowns last season as the Chargers made the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
“I can see his thought process but he’s not here,” general manager Tom Telesco told reporters. “I’m not naive. I know we are better with Melvin but we have a strong running back group.”
Gordon’s agent informed the team earlier this month that the fifth-year running back would hold out unless he got a contract extension. Gordon said at SportsCon in Dallas on July 13 that he is looking to take advantage of his opportunities.
“You know, I want to get paid. That’s just kind of what it is. Hopefully, I end up a Charger. That’s the goal. I want to end up with the Chargers,” he said.
Telesco said the team has made an offer to Gordon’s camp.
Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome are expected to pick up the slack during Gordon’s absence.
The Chargers also placed left tackle Russell Okung on the non-football injury list and linebacker Jatavis Brown on the PUP list.
TITANS: Taylor Lewan, Tennessee’s three-time Pro Bowl left tackle, said the NFL has suspended him for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers.
Lewan announced his suspension Wednesday in an emotional video he posted to social media, saying he received the letter from the NFL a few weeks ago that he had tested positive for ostarine. He said he wanted to share the news himself, which comes a day before the Titans report for training camp.
“I’ve never taken anything that would cheat the game. I’m so sorry to the Tennessee Titans,” Lewan said before pausing, taking a deep breath and wiping his eyes.
“I’m sorry to the Titans, to the fans, that I won’t be there for four games. I’ve never cheated myself, and I never want you guys to feel cheated. And I’m sorry. But I’m going to be better for this. I’m going to come back.”
The Titans had no immediate comment.
JETS: New York is setting up camp without its top rookie.
Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in April, remained unsigned Wednesday morning and was not among the players who arrived at the team’s training facility to report for training camp.
“This is part of the end of the draft process,” coach Adam Gase said. “When he’s ready, he’s ready. When they’re ready to get it done, whenever that happens, it happens. We’ll coach the guys that are here.”
Williams is slotted to receive a four-year contract worth $32.6 million fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year team option. The sticking point appears to be the schedule of how the former Alabama star’s signing bonus — about $21.7 million — will be paid.
According to published reports, Williams would like to receive the entire sum by the end of the year, while the team and new general manager Joe Douglas are looking to defer some of it into next year.
PACKERS: Green Bay released former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Mike Daniels after seven seasons Wednesday, parting with one of its best players in a move that saves $8.31 million against the salary cap.
“I know he’s meant a lot to this community, this football team,” coach Matt LaFleur said of Daniels. “I still think he’s a really good player. I wish him well. But we feel really, really good about the group we have.”
Daniels was due to make $8.5 million this season.
PANTHERS: Carolina has signed first-round draft pick Brian Burns to a four-year contract with an option for a fifth season.
The edge rusher is slotted to make approximately $13.5 million on the rookie wage scale.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Burns played at Florida State. He is expected to serve as an edge rusher for Carolina.