The Denver Broncos could have found a younger, cheaper running back than Melvin Gordon in the 2022 NFL draft, but they opted to re-sign the 29-year-old veteran to a one-year, $2.5 million contract just ahead of the draft instead.
Gordon might be approaching 30 (a dreaded age for RBs), but he’s remained productive, totaling 2,275 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He’s also a very capable receiver out of the backfield and a good blocker — something that can’t be said for many of the backs who entered the NFL draft.
So bringing back Gordon made sense.
“We just want the best players,” general manager George Paton said last week. “Melvin is going to help us win football games. I think him and Javonte [Williams] bring out the best in each other. You just can’t have enough good football players. He’s going to help us win games.
“We love Melvin in the locker room. We like his approach, his work ethic, and he’s a really good football player. We can’t have enough of those. So that’s what went into it. It was pretty simple. Melvin is a really good football player.”
Gordon and Williams seem poised to continue their one-two punch rotation this fall, but Williams might be promoted to RB1a duties in Year 2. Even if he’s the RB1b, though, Gordon should get plenty of touches this season.
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