Report: Chargers, Gordon $2M-$3M apart in contract talks

The Los Angeles Chargers and Melvin Gordon apparently have significant work to do to end the running back's holdout.

The Chargers and Gordon's camp are $2 million to $3 million apart in average salary in their negotiations for a potential contract extension, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.

The Chargers want to give Gordon a deal worth more than Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman's five-year, $41.25-million contract ($8.25 million per year). However, the two-time Pro Bowl rusher is eyeing a deal closer to that of Arizona Cardinals standout David Johnson's three-year, $39-million extension ($13 million per year).

Johnson's average annual salary is the third-highest among NFL running backs, while Freeman's ranks a distant fourth. It appears that the large gap in the market is one of the obstacles L.A. and Gordon will need to overcome.

Previous reports said Gordon is seeking to be paid around the same level as Todd Gurley and Le'Veon Bell, the position's top two annual earners at $14.38 million and $13.13 million per year, respectively.

Gordon's career production is more in line with the output of Johnson and Freeman than that of Bell and Gurley, though. Gordon's averaged 66 rushing yards per games in four seasons, ahead of Johnson (56.8) and Freeman (52.6) but still a far cry from Bell (86.1) and Gurley (78.4).