Signs started two weeks ago that the Denver Broncos might be ready to move on from running back Melvin Gordon.
Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, Gordon didn’t get his first carry of the game until late in the second quarter. He then fumbled that carry — his fourth fumble in four weeks — and that might have sealed his fate in Denver.
Denver had to lean on Gordon last week after losing Javonte Williams to a season-ending knee injury, but after getting new addition Latavius Murray up to speed, the Broncos benched Gordon in Week 6.
Gordon rushed three times in the first half of Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers and was then benched at halftime. Murray appears to be the team’s RB1 going forward with Mike Boone mixed in.
If that is the case, the Broncos would be wise to trade Gordon before the NFL’s Nov. 1 deadline (the running back’s “likes” on Twitter seem to suggest he would welcome a trade).
Several teams could be interested in an experienced running back with a nose for the end zone, perhaps including the Los Angeles Rams. L.A. appears ready to move on from Cam Akers — maybe Denver could offer Gordon to the Rams as a potential replacement for Akers.
The Broncos would be unlikely to fetch much in a trade for a 29-year-old running back with fumble woes, but even a late-round pick would be better than just sitting Gordon on the bench for the rest of the season.
Denver currently has just five picks to use in the 2023 NFL draft and general manager George Paton has said he plans to acquire more. Parting ways with Gordon would give the running back a fresh start while giving the Broncos some extra draft capital. A split might be the best course of action for all parties.
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