Pros and Cons: Trading for Melvin Gordon
It's going to be quite the day to surf the internet for updates and breaking news regarding the Lions leading up to the 4 p.m. (EST) NFL trade deadline.
The deadline represents an opportunity for renewed hope, if the franchise you support pulls the trigger on a big trade.
But trade away a star cornerback, like Darius Slay, and you'll watch a fanbase erupt in confusion and anger.
The Lions' biggest need at the deadline happens to be at running back.
Enter Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, a two-time Pro Bowler who would definitely fill the void at the position.
Here are the pros and cons of trading for Gordon:
PROS
The Lions could look to acquire Gordon at the deadline due to the glaring issues with their ground game.
They are currently averaging 96.9 rushing yards per game, which ranks 22nd in the NFL.
If the Lions decide that the last piece needed to aid franchise passer Matthew Stafford in reaching his goals is a bonafide No. 1 running back, Gordon should be the back that Bob Quinn & Co. acquires.
The present running back-by-committee approach the Lions have taken can be serviceable.
However, to enhance the organization's chances of making the playoffs and winning a playoff game, having a back of Gordon's caliber is much more desirable.
CONS
Blockbuster trades in the NFL are rare, and the Lions typically haven't been involved in trades like these during the Quinn era.
The biggest drawback involves the asking price demanded by the Chargers.
It has been reported that the asking price involves multiple high-end draft picks.
The other concerning factor that could prevent the Lions from acquiring Gordon is his contract situation.
A team like the Lions is not in a position to acquire a rental player.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Gordon was looking to renegotiate his contract prior to the 2019 campaign, and was seeking at least $13 million annually.
His holdout was viewed as a failure, as he returned to the Chargers without a new contract
This season, Gordon's performance also has not been stellar, by any stretch.
In fact, through four games, Gordon has rushed for just 112 yards on 44 attempts to go along with a lone touchdown.
Final Thoughts
Never say never, but the likelihood of the Lions acquiring Gordon at the deadline is low.
Look for the Lions to instead shift their focus to Rashaad Penny of the Seahawks or other options that fit more in line with Quinn's history of lower-end player acquisitions.
