Jun 03, 2015 04:08 PM EDT
San Diego Chargers Rumors: Eric Weddle Contract Not Likely, Melvin Gordon Starter In OTAs Over Danny Woodhead, Philip Rivers Extension Option

The San Diego Chargers are coming into training camp with Melvin Gordon as the likely starter for Philip Rivers on offense ahead of Donald Brown, Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead after the running back was taken in the first round of the draft and this comes as Rivers could be open to a contract extension, while Eric Weddle may holdout if he doesn't get a new deal.

Rivers was mentioned in numerous trade rumors in the offseason, but the Chargers never came close to making a deal. According to Pro Football Talk, Rivers said he would be "open" to listening about a contract extension from the team. Earlier in the offseason it was reported that Rivers did not want to sign an extension and did not want to move if the team relocated to Los Angeles. That was the nexus for the offseason trade reports, but now things have turned a bit.

Rivers reportedly is comfortable playing out the final year of his contract, but he added that it would be "awesome" to end his career in San Diego, according to Michael Gehlken on Twitter. Rivers is coming into the season at 33 and he will be 34 years old by the end of next year. Eli Manning is also coming into the final year of his contract, while fellow 2004 draftee Ben Roethlisberger has signed an extension. Rivers said that there was "nothing new to report" about a potential extension, but that is a far cry from where he was a few months ago.

Weddle is dealing with a contract dispute with the Chargers and there is a chance that he could hold out for the rest of offseason activities and training camp. According to Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego, the contract situation with Weddle is "turning uglier," as the Chargers have been told by head coach Mike McCoy "to move on without Weddle." Weddle is 30 years old and is in the final year of his deal and he said earlier in the offseason that he would stay away without a new deal.

Gordon comes in after looking impressive in rookie camp and he has the inside track to be the starting running back for the Chargers. Gordon was drafted in the first round this year and he comes in after putting up record numbers at Wisconsin. Gordon had over 2500 rushing yards last season and he is likely going to be the featured back. Gordon is the not the best receiver out of the backfield, so that will likely have Brown and Woodhead in those situations.

Rivers and the team could work out a shorter term deal if Rivers has any worries about moving and that could move things forward. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is now "optimistic" about signing Rivers to a contract extension and that could come at some point before the season starts. Rivers has been as consistent as any QB in the league over the last five years and he has not missed a game during his career since taking over as the starter. 

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