The Los Angeles Chargers have given Melvin Gordon the ability to seek possible trade options for himself. This gives Gordon a piece of what he wants while the team remains adamite that they will end contract negotiations until after the season. If the Chargers do trade Gordon, there are multiple teams who may come calling for his services. Here are five potential landing spots for Melvin Gordon.
Melvin Gordon Potential Landing Spots
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have arguably the weakest group of running backs in the NFL. Peyton Barber is the team’s current starter and has not been able to break out as a legit threat for the Bucs’ offense. Barber did eclipse 800 yards rushing last season, but only recorded 15 receptions for 66 yards receiving. Barber’s inefficient receiving skills do not help his case in today’s NFL where most elite running backs can double as a dominant receiver. His backup, sophomore rusher Ronald Jones, did not do enough to gain the starting role and had a lackluster season as well.
Gordon would be an instant upgrade to this offense and would make the Bucs’ offense a legitimate top ten offense. The 26-year-old would give quarterback Jameis Winston a legit threat out of the backfield and help him limit his turnovers on the field. Gordon has recorded at least 40 receptions in each of his last three seasons.
2. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans recently lost their top running back Lamar Miller to a torn ACL. He will miss the entire season and they have taken action to fix their running back situation. They have traded for Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde from the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, but Melvin Gordon brings a much bigger impact than either of them. Gordon would thrive in an offense so similar to the Chargers. Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins would welcome another elite level threat on their offense. Especially at the running back position.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been the best example of a crowded backfield this season. After signing Jerick McKinnon last offseason, he sustained an injury that caused him to miss the 2018 season. During that season, Matt Breida emerged as a top threat on the 49ers offense. Now, this offseason, the team has signed former Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman. McKinnon is now injured again and the 49ers lack weapons on offense. Melvin Gordon would immediately be the top rushing threat on this offense as well as the top receiving threat.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills recently released their top running back, LeSean McCoy. McCoy was set to make top-five running back money despite coming off his worst season yet. The Bills’ running back group now consists of 36-year-old Frank Gore, rookie rusher Devin Singletary, and receiving back T.J. Yeldon. The Bills lack a top-level back in their prime and they may not want to wait for Singletary to develop while their defense is in top shape. Buffalo’s defense has legitimate top-five potential and their offense is the best it has been since McCoy arrived in Buffalo. Gordon would be the final piece to a potential playoff run for the Bills.
5. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have seemingly been in the running back market for a long time. They have drafted some solid rushers over the past few years including Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines. Despite this, Gordon would be a great addition to the Colt’s roster. The Colts have an expected $100 million in cap space for next offseason which would allow them to sign Gordon for the amount he wants. Also, they are another team who could use the receiving threat out of the backfield. Especially now that Jacoby Brissett is the top quarterback in Indy.
What’s it Going to Cost?
Melvin Gordon would be an excellent addition to any of these offenses. The price tag on Gordon right now is a first and fifth-round draft pick, which is a steep price for a running back in need of a contract. With Ezekiel Elliott signing his six-year, $90 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys, Gordon is going to want a similar deal, which may be hard for most teams to accomplish.
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