Lions Reportedly Linked To Chargers RB Melvin Gordon

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With Kerryon Johnson shelved through at least Week 16, the Lions have a need at running back.

Could they swing a deal for Melvin Gordon before Tuesday's trade deadline? The Lions have been linked to the two-time Pro Bowler, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. 

Some around league have linked Lions and Bills to Melvin Gordon. Both teams could be in the market for RB help, and Gordon would make sense if Chargers loosen asking price.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 28, 2019

Despite his elite production over the past few seasons, Gordon has become expendable for the Chargers. He held out the first three games of this season, and Austin Ekeler took his job as the starting running back. In four games since returning, Gordon has averaged just 2.5 yards per carry. 

Still, there's no disputing his talent. Gordon ran for the fourth most yards and the second most touchdowns in the NFL from 2016-18. That's why he was looking for a new deal in the offseason, but the Chargers wouldn't budge. 

Gordon, 26, will be a free agent after this season, likely making him a rental should he be traded. He still has designs of becoming one of the highest-paid running backs in the game. 

The Cardinals acquired fellow running back Kenyan Drake from the Dolphins on Monday for a conditional sixth-round pick. The price for Gordon would be higher, but likely not by much.

It might make sense for the Lions. Their running game has been one of the worst in the NFL, and this is their time to gain ground in the playoff race. They play the Raiders, Bears, Cowboys, Redskins and Bears in their next five games.  

The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m.