Broncos bring back RB Gordon on 1-year contract


Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has said “the door is open” for some of the team’s free agents to return to the team, even well more than a month into free agency

On Tuesday night, running back Melvin Gordon III agreed to walk through that door. The 29-year-old, eight-year veteran agreed to terms on a one-year deal to return to the Broncos in a package that includes performance incentives.

Gordon is the third unrestricted free agent to re-sign with the Broncos on a one-year deal in recent weeks, joining safety Kareem Jackson and defensive tackle DeShawn Williams. The contract terms were first reported by NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.

The veteran’s return — just days away from the NFL draft — indicates he knows he will share carries with Javonte Williams once again. It also shows the Broncos don’t believe enough help could be found at that position in this weekend’s draft. As a result, the Broncos are expected to open the season with the same three running backs as last year: Williams, Gordon and Mike Boone.

To signify the move Tuesday night, Denver tweeted out a postgame photo of Gordon with quarterback Russell Wilson when the latter was with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, of course, they’ll be backfield mates.

Williams, who was the Broncos’ second-round pick in the 2021 draft and was named to the league’s All Rookie team following the season, was asked after Tuesday’s minicamp practice about the prospect of Gordon’s return to the team if Gordon didn’t get a better offer somewhere else later in free agency.

“I’ve been talking to Mel lately, seeing how he is and seeing what he’s been doing,” Williams said. “Whatever (general manager) George (Paton) has planned, I’m ready. If I have to split carries, or if I’m the starter, it doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I’m just trying to win the Super Bowl.”

Gordon had said as last season drew to a close that he believed Williams had the skills to be the team’s top back, and because of that Gordon hoped to find a situation where he could be the unquestioned No. 1 option in an offense’s run game.

Last season, Gordon and Williams each had 203 carries and Gordon led the team with 918 yards rushing to Williams’ 903 yards. Gordon battled hip, shoulder and thumb injuries down the stretch, but missed just one game this past season — the Broncos’ Week 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett has said he likes what he has seen from Williams as well as Williams’ potential as a lead back. But Hackett also said when minicamp opened Monday he wants depth at the position.

EDITOR’S PICKS

NFL mock draft 2022: NFL Nation reporters make first-round predictions
12hNFL Nation

Miller’s new seven-round NFL mock draft: Two early trades shake up this 262-pick projection
23hMatt Miller

Wilson ‘feels great’ after first Broncos minicamp
22hJeff Legwold
From the time Gordon signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Denver Broncos before the 2020 season, he always seemed to be the target of criticism from the team’s faithful no matter how he performed. He has led the Broncos in rushing in each of the past two seasons and scored 20 touchdowns in 31 games.

But when asked about the potential of leaving in free agency as last season wound down, Gordon added:

“Hell yeah I’m thinking about it. I would love to be here. I don’t think many people want me here, as far as the fans. I want to be here. I’ve been seeing a lot of stuff. And I understand. I get it. But I love it here. I love the guys here. I’d love to be here. Regardless of the hate right now. I think it’s mostly because of fantasy. The fantasy football get people a little tight in the rear end.”

In 2020, he was considered by many to be the veteran most responsible for taking carries away from Phillip Lindsay, a Denver South High School graduate and fan favorite. And last season, it was Williams whom some fans wanted to see carry the ball more.

But Gordon has persevered. He has rushed for 6,144 yards and 53 touchdowns and has 284 receptions for 2,244 yards and 14 touchdowns in seven seasons.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

Michigan Politician Swears Gonzaga Hoops Team Buses Are Full Of ‘Illegal Invaders’
Kanye West Avoided Diddy Meetup During Rolling Loud Performance
Marvel’s Blade Delayed Amid Writers Strike
Diddy Seen Talking with Federal Agents at Airport as Associate is Arrested
Sydney Sweeney Swaps Madame Web’s Spider-Woman For Power Girl in DC Fan Art
Giancarlo Esposito Can’t Keep Overcrowded, Rushed Parish on the Road | TV/Streaming
Femme Review | An Edge-of-Your-Seat Queering of the Neo-Noir Crime Thriller
Gillian Anderson Reveals Why She Almost Gave Up Acting 24 Years Ago
Fake and laced benzos are circulating in the UK – causing a “fentanyl-style epidemic”
Lzzy Hale to front Skid Row for upcoming tour
Cillian Murphy reveals he’s gone vegan
‘The Bear’ star is favourite to play Bruce Springsteen in new movie
Panthers sign Clowney to reported 2-year deal
Ham thrilled as Lakers rally for ‘top-3’ win of year
Report: Cowboys haven’t made Dak extension offers
The Money Game: How Much Can College Athletes Earn with NIL
One Euphoria Actor Doubts Season 3 Will Ever Be Made
Chicago PD Season 11 Episode 8 Review: On Paper
Malcolm in the Middle Revival Now the ‘Closest It’s Ever Been,’ Frankie Muniz Reveals
The Good Doctor Season 7 Episode 4 Review: Date Night
Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and More Announce Return!
Swarovski’s Underwater Glamazons, Megahn Markle’s Beauty Line, & More!
Cher’s Closet From Clueless Is Becoming A Reality, Thanks To Vêtir
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson Welcome Their First Baby!