Detroit Lions should trade for Melvin Gordon says NFL.com

The Detroit Lions have a pressing need at running back. And the official league website believes Los Angeles Chargers’ Melvin Gordon is the answer.

This Sunday, the 2-3-1 Detroit Lions will welcome the 2-5 New York Giants to Ford Field in a critical game for the Motor City. Currently in the basement of the NFC North standings, and coming off back-to-back losses to divisional foes, the Lions have to turn the ship around quickly.

And the Pride will attempt to do so without their starting running back. Second-year back Kerryon Johnson was placed on Injured Reserve this week after suffering a knee injury during the Lions’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.

Instead of Johnson starting in the backfield, that mantle will likely be passed to 2019 sixth-rounder Ty Johnson. Although Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia says the team is preparing a more running back-by-committee approach with J.D. McKissic, Tra Carson, and Paul Perkins all in the mix.

If this group can somehow find success against a Giants’ run defense that comes into the game ranked 26th in the NFL allowing 131.4 rushing yards per contest, the Lions could be inspired to keep the committee approach until a possible Kerryon Johnson return.

But if Detroit struggles to run the ball, which is something they’ve done inconsistently this season ranked 18th in the league averaging 103.2 rushing yards per game, then the Lions may be forced to pull off a trade prior to Tuesday’s NFL trading deadline. And one league analyst believes he knows the perfect running back for Motown to pursue.

Here’s what Around The NFL Writer Jeremy Bergman wrote in an article where he pitched the Lions trade for Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon …

"“With Kerryon Johnson heading to injured reserve for at least eight games, Detroit is left with just rookie Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic to pick up the back’s carries. That’s not going to do it in a competitive NFC North. Detroit should splurge for a half-year rental in Gordon, who has underperformed in Carson since returning from his ill-fated holdout, and use the back half of 2019 to see if he can carry in lieu of Kerryon.”"

Bergman projected the potential compensation for acquiring Gordon at a 2020 second-round pick. That seems high for a half-season rental, but potentially a steal if you intend to sign him to a long term contract next offseason. Kerry Johnson’s troubling durability issues should have Detroit scrambling for a better option.

Scheduled to become a free agent next year, Gordon instigated a lengthy holdout this offseason in an attempt to secure a long term deal with the Chargers. He finally conceded to return to the team despite not getting the extension he wanted and has started in the team’s past three games, all of which have been losses. Gordon’s rust factor has been high averaging just 2.3 yards per carry following his delayed debut.

But make no mistake, Gordon is very talented. At 26-years old, he’s a two-time Pro Bowler and former first-round selection (15th overall, 2015). Gordon’s best season was in 2017 when he rushed for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns as a 16-game starter. He also had 58 receptions for 476 yards and four scores.

If the Detroit Lions make the trade for Melvin Gordon, they’d be on the hook for a portion of his $4.61 million base salary. And if they wish to re-sign him next offseason, that will be pricey. His camp was rumored to want something near $13 million per season. And that might have increased after the Dallas Cowboys signed running back Ezekiel Elliott to a deal worth $15 million per year prior to the start of the regular season.