Melvin Gordon to Tampa Bay?

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Shocking developments have circulated the Los Angeles area regarding the recent trade demands surrounding Pro Bowl running back, Melvin Gordon. Shortly after news spread across the NFL landscape, local media in the Tampa Bay area have pegged the Buccaneers as a trade destination for Gordon. Not so fast.

Gordon’s trade demand comes on the heels of the Chargers organization offering an extension his agent bluntly described as “disrespectful”. The end result was Gordon stating that he either wants a bigger contract or out of Los Angeles altogether.

Does It Make Sense For Tampa?

This should send red flags to proponents of a deal sending Gordon to Tampa. For one, the Buccaneers simply don’t have the money to re-sign Gordon after the 2019 season. The Chargers phenom just watched his inner-city rival, Todd Gurley, ink a four-year deal averaging roughly $15 million a year. Gordon feels he’s worth that amount and considering Tampa Bay has only $8.3 million in cap space (before signing 1st round pick Devin White), this deal doesn’t seem likely.

The Buccaneers are preparing for the possible extensions of Jameis Winston and O.J Howard this upcoming offseason, so logistics alone squash the possibility of a Gordon trade. Unless Bruce Arians believe the Bucs will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February, the possibility shouldn’t even be entertained.

What Could Have Been

Furthermore, the coaching staff time and time again has doubled down on the faith they have in their current stable of running backs. They neglected to address the running back position in both free agency and the draft which leads most to believe Peyton Barber will be a priority in the offense this year. The thought of pairing Gordon with Winston on an already elite offense in Tampa Bay is definitely enticing. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit unrealistic.

Sources:

ESPN

Spotrac.com

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