In a bit of a surprise, the Broncos are bringing back Melvin Gordon

The Denver Broncos are bringing back one of their own free agents.

Running back Melvin Gordon is signing a deal worth up to $5M to stay in Denver, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

#Broncos RB Melvin Gordon is re-signing with Denver, as the two sides have agreed to terms on a 1-year deal worth up to $5M, source said. A key move before the draft.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2022

9NEWS Broncos insider Mike Klis reported earlier in the evening the two sides were close. Jordan Schultz was the first one on the news late Tuesday night, but jumped the gun saying it was done.

Per source, Broncos are in discussions with Melvin Gordon III about bringing the vet RB back as @Schultz_Report reported. Nothing finalized but good chance it gets done, I'm told. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) April 27, 2022

Breaking: FA RB Melvin Gordon is re-signing with the #Broncos, per source.

A 2x Pro Bowler w/the #Chargers, Gordon — who just turned 29 — tallied 1,904 yards and 20 TDs his last two seasons, both with Denver. (Melvin also visited the #Ravens.) Huge get for Russell Wilson. 🐎

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2022

Gordon’s been a mainstay in the Broncos’ backfield the last two seasons after spending the first five of his career with the Chargers. He rushed for 986 yards in 2020 and then 918 yards in 2021. He scored nine and then eight rushing touchdowns in those two seasons, respectively.

However, Gordon’s fumbled 21 times in his career, including seven with the Broncos the last two years. There’s been several fumbles at inopportune times that have cost his team games, so it’s something he needs to fix. Gordon also projects to be Denver’s clear No. 2 running back behind Javonte Williams, who had a breakout rookie year in 2021.

Williams rushed 203 times for more than 900 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 43 passes and finding the end zone three more times. Williams was a bulldog on the ground, consistently breaking tackles and making highlight reel plays every Sunday. It’s clear Denver’s his team when it comes to the running game, so Gordon better be ready to accept a diminished role.

This also means running back is no longer a priority for the Broncos in the upcoming NFL Draft, with Williams and Gordon ready to go and Mike Boone on the roster as well.

(Update 8:48 p.m.) –

Broncos QB Russell Wilson reacted to the deal, and it appears he’s a big fan of bringing Gordon back into the fold.

25!!! 👀👀👀
We got us a Stable! @Broncos #LetsRide

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 27, 2022

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