It’s uncertain whether or not Chargers running back Melvin Gordon will be playing on the team this upcoming season. Gordon will hold out of training camp and demand a trade if a contract extension is not completed.
The idea of trading Gordon is certainly a conflicting decision. Los Angeles has shown that they have a formidable backfield without him but there’s no denying that he adds an extra spark to the offense.
With that, we decided to explore some trade partners for the former Wisconsin product if L.A. decides to go that route.
Houston Texans
The Texans have Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman, but the future is not so bright in that backfield. Miller will be a free agent after the 2019 season, and Foreman has yet to unlock his full potential as an Achilles injury that he sustained in 2017 has appeared to be hindering him.
Houston has been doing all they can to not only get protection for quarterback for Deshaun Watson but to pave the way in the running game. They did add Tytus Howard and Max Scharping in the draft. Gordon would help give them an extra boost and help keep some of the pressure off of Watson.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Peyton Barber started all 16 games last season, finishing with 871 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Entering the last year of his current contract, it’d be easy for the Bucs to move on since he isn’t necessarily a viable long-term option.
Behind Barber on the depth chart is Ronald Jones, who had a poor rookie season in 2018, amassing just 44 yards and one touchdown in nine games. Andre Ellington is the No. 3 option, but he isn’t much more than a receiving back.
Miami Dolphins
Kenyan Drake showed promise last season, but it’s uncertain whether or not he’s seen as an every-down back. Drake has never posted more than 700 rushing yards in one season in his three years as a professional, but there’s no doubt that he is still a good player.
Behind Drake is Kalen Ballage, who had little impact in his rookie season. Myles Gaskin, an undrafted free agent out of Washington, sits behind Ballage on the depth chart and should serve primarily as a receiving back if he makes the final 53-man roster.
Adding Gordon to the team would help the development of Josh Rosen and give Miami something to be excited about in their offense this upcoming season.
Buffalo Bills
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been doing all that he can to add valuable pieces around quarterback Josh Allen. Buffalo just had LeSean McCoy entering this offseason but they proceeded to sign Frank Gore and add Devin Singletary in the draft.
McCoy hasn’t struggled to find consistency and Gore is getting up there in age with the best football years appearing to be behind him. Singletary has potential to be a solid NFL running back but if the Bills wants to be competitive in the AFC East as soon as this season, adding Gordon would provide the offense with a huge upgrade.
