Chargers may find ideal Melvin Gordon trade partner in Eagles

2 of 2

CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 (second from left) of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with Spencer Pulley #73, Hunter Henry #86, and Keenan Allen #13 after scoring on a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Washington Redskins on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. The Chargers won 30-16. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Chargers need offensive line depth – something the Eagles have and can offer to entice the Chargers into a trade for Gordon.

The Eagles are deep along the offensive line, boasting several Pro Bowlers. They even had the foresight to draft left tackle Jason Peters’ heir apparent in Andre Dillard, whom they traded up for in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

One player the Chargers should absolutely ask about is Jordan Mailata. While Mailata has limited football experience (he was an Australian rugby player turned 2018 7th-round draft pick), he has benefitted from having all of last season to learn how to be an NFL offensive lineman and apparently, his progress and potential is starting to draw rave reviews.

He has even managed to leapfrog a more seasoned NFL veteran swing tackle on the depth chart in Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who filled in for an injured Peters last season. A 2020 first-round pick, combined with an up and coming Mailata (who could at the very least push Sam Tevi in training camp or, at worst, serve as the Chargers backup swing tackle) is a decent haul for Gordon.

Past trades that could impact Melvin Gordon’s future. Next

While some may pound the table for more draft compensation, keep in mind that Gordon’s devalued position, age, and spotty injury history (he has only played a full 16 games once in four seasons) may drive down the trade assets the Chargers are offered. Gordon has put the Chargers in a difficult position, and they must now try to make the best of it.

Home/LA Chargers News