Ravens' Gordon joins list of displeased veteran RBs: 'We're kind of screwed'
Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon expressed his frustration with the current market for his position.
"We're kind of screwed, I feel like, for the next couple years," Gordon said Tuesday, alluding to the issue continuing until the NFL's collective bargaining agreement expires in 2030, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "The only thing we could do is just kind of stack it and just ball out."
Rushers Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs received the franchise tag this offseason. None of them signed long-term contracts with their clubs, and Barkley was the only one to get a raise, agreeing to an amended franchise-tag deal worth up to $11 million over one year.
Pollard ultimately signed the franchise tag, and Josh Jacobs is currently holding out of training camp as he looks for a new deal. The 25-year-old led the league in scrimmage yards last season.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is also in a contract feud with his team. The 2021 leading rusher reportedly requested a trade and is on the PUP list recovering from an ankle injury.
"At the end of the day, the talking and this and that is not going to get anything done," Gordon said. "I think we just have to shine in the brightest moments when we get to the playoffs. The backs that are on that team got to take initiative to be like - you know what - I'm going to take over."
He added: "The league is changing, and it sucks to say it's a passing league. But you still need a great run game. Let's not get away from that."
Gordon signed a one-year $1.1-million contract with the Ravens in July. The two-time Pro Bowler has recorded 6,462 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns in 108 career games.
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