The San Diego Chargers did not go through with a Philip Rivers trade this offseason and now the team could try and sign him to a contract extension and this comes as Eric Weddle is also looking for a new deal and after the team drafted Melvin Gordon in the first round, which could put him on track to start for head coach Mike McCoy.
Rivers is coming into the final year of his contract and that sparked a ton of speculation that the Chargers could trade him. Reports had the Tennessee Titans as a potential option so the Chargers could try to draft Marcus Mariota, but the deal never came close to happening and the Titans took Mariota. According to Pro Football Talk, Rivers would be "open" to a contract extension and the two sides could talk about a deal before training camp.
The Chargers draft Gordon in the first round and the team traded up with the 49ers to get him at number 15. Gordon was taken as the second running back in the draft and now he could end up as the starter with Donald Brown, Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead also on the roster. Gordon was one of the most productive backs in college football last season and he had over 2500 rushing for Wisconsin. Gordon likely will get a long look in camp and he could end up as the number one back on the roster.
Rivers and his situation is fluid, as the team clearly is ready to have him stay with the team, but he is coming into the final year of his contract. According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, Rivers said that he would be willing to listen to an extension offer and Pro Football talk writes that a shorter term contract extension could be possible. Rivers to the Titans was the rumor that wouldn't die this offseason, but the trade never came close to happening.
According to ESPN.com, the Chargers are heading into offseason workouts and Eric Weddle is not reporting, as he is unhappy with his current contract situation. Weddle comes in at 30 years old and he wants a new contract and reports have him not coming to workouts "anytime soon" until he is satisfied about his deal. Weddle is one of the best safeties in the league and he comes in after putting up 114 tackles and one interception.
Gordon comes in after rushing for 2587 yards last season and 29 touchdowns and he could end up as the starter with Ryan Mathews leaving in free agency. The team has Oliver and Woodhead as the top packs with Brown and while Oliver player well last season, expect Gordon to get the most carries for the team this season. Gordon is more of a up the middle runner and is not much of a receiver and that makes his role clearly defined on this team.
The Chargers know this could be the last ride with Rivers and they will be looking to make the playoffs. Gordon could be the key for the offense this season after being a first round pick.
