Chargers trade options: Give Seattle Beast Mode 2.0
Partner: Seattle Seahawks
Chargers Receive: 2020 4th round selection with a 5th round swap.
Seahawks Receive: Melvin Gordon with a 5th round swap.
Seattle loves to run the ball, but hasn’t been able to keep their running back rotation consistent. Thomas Rawls, Chris Carson, and C.J. Procise have all had their chance to become feature backs in the Seattle offense, with Carson the latest to attempt this. Carson continues a trend of power backs that come into the league, have a solid year, and then are phased out quickly. If Seattle wants to expand upon the formula they have built over the last decade, Gordon could be their guy.
In this case, a player swap wouldn’t be necessary. Overall, the Chargers would most likely welcome a fourth-round pick for Gordon, and the Seahawks could afford him with the lack of star power they have at the moment. Many believe they can get a first-round pick out of a team, while others believe the Chargers can swap for someone of a similar talent level. Neither seems particularly realistic, especially for a running back who has not been consistent since entering the league.
Gordon is threatening to leave as it is, so one can expect to see teams be patient and wait for the running back to simply hit free agency if the Chargers’ asking price is too high. Overall, DeVante Parker and a 6th is more than what the Steelers received for Le’Veon Bell (which was nothing) so if a similar trade happens keep that in mind. If Gordon truly has no desire to play this season, any kind of return, as well as the subsequent cap relief, from any trade is a win for the team.