The Detroit Lions may be in the market for a running back since they had to place Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve. With them in need of a running back, Melvin Gordon must be a trade target for the Lions.
The Los Angeles Chargers running back began training camp and the preseason with a holdout from the team. Gordon remained away from the team in hopes he could negotiate a long-term extension.
Despite his holdout, Los Angeles remained adamant that they weren't willing to talk a new deal until after the 2019 season. As a result, Gordon requested a trade from the team but it was all for naught. After sitting at home for the first three weeks of the season, the Wisconsin product ended his holdout and returned to the Chargers.
Despite not getting a new contract, Gordon made his official return to the field in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his return hasn't gone as expected in recent weeks.
In the past three games that he's started in, Gordon has rushed for just 81 yards on 36 attempts (2.3 yards per attempt). As a receiver, he's caught nine passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Yes, his numbers haven't been impressive, to say the least. But that doesn't mean he can't revert to his former self if he were to be moved elsewhere before the trade deadline.
It's obvious that Los Angeles' offense is more efficient with Austin Ekeler as the starter. Before Gordon came back, Ekeler had 490 yards from scrimmage and had six touchdowns for the Chargers. Therefore, Los Angeles would probably be open to listening to offers for Gordon.
The Lions are losing quite a bit of production with Kerryon Johnson missing an extended period of time. Johnson had accumulated 434 yards from scrimmage and three scores in Detroit's offense. Sadly, with him landing on injured reserve, the earliest he can return is Week 16.
In light of that, the Lions need a rest-of-the-season solution at running back; if they hope to get back into the NFC North race. They currently sit at 2-3-1 and are in sole possession of last place behind the Chicago Bears.
Prior to this season, Gordon had three consecutive seasons of having 1,300+ yards from scrimmage. Additionally, he had at least 12 touchdowns in those seasons. With that being said, he is capable of being an every-down back in the NFL still.
The asking price for Gordon is likely the lowest it will be for the rest of the season. One of the reasons to be hesitant about acquiring Gordon is that he's in the final year of his rookie deal. That means that you shouldn't surrender too much for him unless you have plans of re-signing him long term.
Depending on the asking price, the Lions should be a possible suitor for Gordon this season.
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