With the news release that the Chargers are dug in on the Melvin Gordon contract situation, the Chargers could be looking to move the talented running back. Here are some trade destinations for Gordon, and what the Chargers could look to receive in return.
The Chargers and Melvin Gordon are at a stalemate, with both sides unwilling to budge in either direction to reach a compromise. Gordon’s ultimatum prior to trading camp was simply, “Pay me or trade me.” If both sides truly are so far apart at this point, the Chargers have three options.
One option is to simply pay Gordon what he wants, which may be good for 2019, but for the future it really puts the Chargers in a bind. The second option is to be patient, as Gordon would eventually be required to play by Week 10, or else he would not become a free agent in 2020. The final option is to trade the man, and if they elect to go this last route, here are some options for the Chargers.
Chargers trade options: Same class, different results
Partner: Miami Dolphins
Chargers Receive: DeVante Parker and a 2020 6th round selection.
Dolphins Receive: Melvin Gordon
Josh Rosen is the new guy in Miami (though reportedly Ryan Fitzpatrick is an early favorite to win the job), and is just a year removed from being a first-round selection. Rosen was traded during the offseason for a 2020 second-round selection, moving away from the Arizona Cardinals. Young quarterbacks need weapons surrounding them to grow, especially those with the talents of Rosen. The Dolphins don’t have many weapons offensively, and they have struggled to develop receivers. They don’t trust Kenyan Drake, and they just recently swapped coaches this season. There is a lot of uncertainty in Miami.
Enter Gordon, a solid blocker, receiving back, and runner who can line up beside Rosen. If the Dolphins hope to develop Rosen as if he was their newly drafted rookie quarterback, they should look to add a weapon like Gordon to give him that extra security.
Exit DeVante Parker, who has struggled to find a role with the Dolphins. Parker has been talked about in different trade scenarios, but the Dolphins have never pulled the trigger. With a new coach in town, and a star running back in Gordon on the table, one could expect the Dolphins to finally decide that moving on is best.
Now, it wouldn’t be entirely fair to just swap Gordon with Parker, so an added sixth-round selection could be enough to sweeten the deal for the Chargers. The Dolphins are, after all, getting the more productive player, and the Chargers find more than enough success in late round draft selections to make the pick that much more enticing.