Bolt Beat
Fansided

Would any of these three teams consider trading for Melvin Gordon?

By Tyler Schoon

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 04: Brent Grimes #24 and Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers on a run play during the first half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 4, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 04: Brent Grimes #24 and Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers on a run play during the first half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 4, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com listed three teams that should consider trading for Melvin Gordon. Would any of them pull the trigger?

As it currently stands, the only known trade scenario surrounding Chargers running back Melvin Gordon was with the Eagles, who offered Jordan Howard and a mid-round pick swap for Gordon. Unsurprisingly, the Chargers declined, as they would also had to pay Gordon’s 2019 salary on top of Howard’s.

However, the trade interest is unlikely to stop there, as No. 25 is still one of the ten best running backs in the NFL. 38 touchdowns in three seasons are no joke, and his efficiency behind subpar offensive lines has increased as his career as moved forward.

With the news of the Eagles’ reported interest, Maurice Jones-Drew, a former NFL running back now working with the NFL Network, gave the names of three teams who should trade for Gordon.

They are:

  • Houston Texans
  • Atlanta Falcons
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Would any of these work out?

First off, if the Chargers do consider trading Gordon to Houston, they should do so after their meeting in the third week of the regular season. No sense in giving Gordon his own revenge game so early. The Texans are in need of a legit back, and acquiring Carlos Hyde likely means they are not sold on Duke Johnson Jr. as their every-down guy. But, having given up so much draft capital for tackle Laremy Tunsil, it’s hard to imagine they’d be willing to give more away, especially considering the Chargers are looking for at least a first-round draft selection.

The Falcons are interesting, as although they have a productive running back in Devonta Freeman, they have tended to prefer employing a one-two punch at the position. With Tevin Coleman gone, and considering Freeman’s injury history, it’s possible they do consider adding Gordon. If their line is as improved with two first-round offensive linemen inserted into the lineup as they hope it will be, the Falcons could look to become a powerhouse rushing team on top of having a dominant quarterback-receiver duo.

The Buccaneers are an average team, out of the AFC, on the other side of the country. Perfect!

The Buccaneers fit exactly what the Chargers would prefer to do (should they trade him): Get Gordon out of the conference and onto a noncompetitive team in Florida. Hey, at least his contract is worth more with the change in income tax.

There’s a chance you didn’t even draft Peyton Barber or Ronald Jones in your fantasy leagues, and if you did, they’re likely not your starting back. Or, if they are, you messed up.

Next. Why Chargers don't need a franchise back

Head coach Bruce Arians would love a multipurpose, every-down back in Gordon. With the Arizona Cardinals, David Johnson flourished under Arians, and the Buccaneers could be looking to find a back who can be just as productive to support Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. If they want to truly give Winston a chance to be the face of the franchise, they need to surround him with talent.

Home/Chargers Free Agency