The San Diego Chargers are coming into training camp with Melvin Gordon the likely starter at running back for Philip Rivers on offense and this summer Rivers could agree to an extension after reports that he was on the trade block and this comes as Eric Weddle has been upset with his contract situation and could come to camp without a contract extension.
The Chargers traded up in the first round for Melvin Gordon and NFL.com reports that the running back has been impressive for San Diego in offseason workouts. The Chargers were mentioned in numerous trade rumors regarding Rivers and Marcus Mariota, but that deal did not come close to happening. The team traded up with the 49ers to get Gordon and now he could top the depth chart over Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown.
Rivers is coming into the final year of his contract and after all the trade talk this offseason there is a chance he could sign an extension. According to UT San Diego, Rivers would be "open" to listening to an extension offer from the Chargers and he also added that he would like to retire with the team. Rivers and Eli Manning are both coming into the final years of their contracts, while fellow 2004 draftee Ben Roethlisberger signed a lucrative extension with the Steelers. Rivers has had two strong seasons back to back with the Chargers and he now adds another offensive weapon in Gordon after getting Keenan Allen last year.
Eric Weddle is coming into the season unhappy with his contract situation and could hold out from camp. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers are not having any discussions with Weddle about a new deal and that could mean he will hold out in training camp. Weddle reportedly set a deadline to work on a new deal and with that passing ahead of training camp about to open, a contract extension is very unlikely. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Weddle will be in camp on Thursday when things open up and it comes after he set a deadline for before camp as time to sign a new deal.
Kevin Acee reports that Weddle's agent said that the safety "will be excited about playing this year and then hit free agency." Weddle was attended minicamp this offseason, but the training camp attendance is what will matter and Michael Gehlken on Twitter reports that he should show up to camp after the deadline passed.
Weddle's agent said that the team informed him that the sides would not have any discussions about a new contract. Weddle signed a five year contract for $40 million previously and he has played for his entire career in San Diego. Weddle is considered among the better safeties in the league and he has previously made it to three Pro Bowls and has also been an All-Pro player. Weddle has a salary of $7.5 million for this season and he had over 100 tackles last season while not missing a game for the Chargers. Weddle also added an interception and two forced fumbles. Rivers looks ready to stay in SD and he could look at signing an extension.
Check here for more on the Chargers and Weddle and the Rivers contract situation.