The marriage between the Los Angeles Chargers and running back Melvin Gordon could be nearing an end.
Gordon, 25, is set to become a free agent and while he is hoping to return next season, it appears that general manager Tom Telesco is going to let him test the free agency market.
If the split occurs, that will leave RBs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson as the remaining backs. Ekeler is a restricted free agent, but it’s likely that the team will tender him in order to retain him.
Ekeler and Jackson illustrated the ability to make a reliable one-two punch early in the 2019 season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the coaching staff wants to solidify the position with another member.
Should they go that route, NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo sees LeSean McCoy as a possible option for Los Angeles.
“I would not discount the possibility of him returning to the Eagles. I also would not discount the possibility he meets up with Anthony Lynn out of the Chargers who are going to have some changes in the backfield,” Garafolo said.
Signed prior to last season after being released by the Bills, McCoy enjoyed a solid season reuniting with former Eagles coach Andy Reid with the Chiefs.
McCoy, 32, never turned into a full-time starter with Kansas City, but was still productive, tallying 646 yards and five touchdowns on 129 touches for a an average of five yards per touch, which was his best since 2016.
L.A. would like to establish the youth movement with their running backs, but having McCoy would provide veteran experience.
McCoy would be able to keep the full load off Ekeler, keeping him as the dynamic change-of-pace running back that he is, while still giving Jackson his opportunities.
Like Garafolo mentioned, McCoy and coach Anthony Lynn also have a connection. Lynn was his running back coach in 2015 and served as his head coach and offensive coordinator in 2016 when McCoy ran for 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns.