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Among running backs, the Melvin Gordon trade rumors in 2021 are starting to dominate the NFL rumors mill. He’s in the final year of his contract with the Broncos, who may or may not be serious playoff contenders this year. Either way, the 28-year-old doesn’t seem to have much of a future with the Broncos.
At the same time, Melvin Gordon’s trade value remains high. He was 14 yards shy of 1,000 yards last season in 15 games, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Gordon has had a solid if unspectacular season in 2021, although he’s had to split carries with rookie Javonte Williams, who appears to be the running back of the future in Denver.
Melvin Gordon best trade fits
Granted, it’s not a lock that Gordon will be moved before the trade deadline. The Broncos don’t exactly have another proven running back to share carries with Williams. But trading Gordon is something that Denver will have to consider because there will be interest in his services. Let’s take a look at some of Gordon’s best trade fits.
Falcons
The Falcons just aren’t getting the production out of Mike Davis that they expected. While Cordarrelle Patterson has provided a spark as both a runner and receiver, they need more from their backfield.
Gordon could potentially be an upgrade over Davis that gives the Atlanta offense a lift. But whether the aging Gordon will provide enough of an upgrade over Davis to make a trade worthwhile is another story.
Cardinals
Chase Edmonds has been great for the Cardinals this year, but that’s not so much the case with James Conner. The latter is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and has fewer rushing yards on the season than Edmonds despite getting more carries.
Conner is mostly used in short-yardage situations and has eight touchdowns despite no runs of 20 yards or more. Gordon could provide Arizona with a better partner for Edmonds while Conner could just be used near the goal line.
Bills
The Bills can’t have too many complaints about their offense, although there is always room for improvement.
They’re relying on two young running backs in Devin Singletary and Zack Moss with Moss struggling to get going this year.
Gordon would add a veteran presence to the backfield rotation and give Buffalo a three-headed monster in the backfield. Gordon would be more of a luxury addition for the Bills. But that’s not a bad move for a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
Chargers
Gordon spent the first five seasons of his career with the Chargers, although his time with the team didn’t have the best ending. But fast forward a couple of years and the Chargers could use Gordon back in Los Angeles.
The Chargers don’t have a viable back to complement Austin Ekeler and reduce the workload for the productive but diminutive running back.
Trading for Gordon would immediately solve that problem, even if Ekeler remains the starter. Those two formed a great tandem in 2018 and continued to have some success in 2019, so it makes sense for the Chargers to at least consider a reunion with Gordon.
