The Cost Of Melvin Gordon
July 14th, 2019
It is OK to dream.
When it comes to upgrading the running back position, Joe likes to use the phrase “willfully ignored” for the Bucs.
The Bucs were simply terrible at running the ball last year. Joe thought for sure, given more of an opportunity, Peyton Barber would have exploded. He didn’t and former Bucs coach Dirk Koetter’s words from the 2017 season that Barber didn’t remind him of Gale Sayers bounced around in Joe’s head.
And what can you say about Ronald Jones? He was simply putrid.
Well, in a chat about the Bucs, Tampa Bay beat guy Greg Auman of The Athletic dropped the word “neglected” when referring to the Bucs’ running backs stable and the non-activity this offseason in addressing (not addressing?) one of the worst running attacks in football.
Late last week, talented two-time Pro Bowler Melvin Gordon decided to stiff-arm the Chargers for a new contract; he’s considering sitting out the whole season. Cynics would suggest he just wants to skip training camp. But there is the possibility he could play Operation Shutdown and channel jet-ski-riding Le’Veon Bell.
Auman gave his two cents into the possibility the Bucs may try to swing a deal for Gordon.
I’m sure the Bucs would be interested — again, if you have a bottom-five run game and don’t add anybody of consequence, you’re always looking. They could probably make room to fit Gordon and his $5.6 million salary under the cap, but what does it cost you? A third-round pick or more? And Arians really isn’t someone who values the RB position enough to pay big money there — you wouldn’t want to trade a pick for Gordon unless you saw yourself extending him to a longterm deal, and that won’t be cheap. As much as he’d take a big burden off Winston and add real balance to the offense, and don’t see it happening.
This could determine who wields clout at One Buc Palace. Arians, if we are to believe his public words, has no use for an expensive running back. Yes, Gordon could be had for cheap pick — if the Chargers want to move him, which in Joe’s eyes is the biggest obstacle in a potential trade.
Yes, with a little massaging the Bucs could find room to fit Gordon under the cap on his salary for this season. After that? That’s when it gets dicey.
Of course, the big unknown is the future salary cap. The NFL and the NFLPA are currently trying to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement that is set to expire after the 2020 season. If the two sides do get a new agreement before the 2019 season, what exactly would the cap be like then?
First thing is first: Best Joe can tell the Chargers don’t have Gordon on the trading block.
July 14th, 2019 at 8:19 am
I think you upgrade the running game by upgrading the right side of the line. I’d rather trade for a stud right tackle, or guard then an oft injured running back.
July 14th, 2019 at 8:23 am
Any news on the recovery of Jay Ajayi’s week 5 ACL tear? He just turned 26 so there is every reason to believe there is tread left there. Only about 620 touches in his career compared to 1080 for Melvin Gordon who is also 26.
July 14th, 2019 at 8:44 am
You could bring in the best RB in the NFL and he would be pedestrian behind this offensive line.
July 14th, 2019 at 8:46 am
Hodad
Totally agree . A nice shiny toy at running back would be nice.
But it starts in the trenches . Line needs upgrade.
And running game will take pressure off Jameis
Barber runs hard. But it’s tough to have positive runs and break a tackle when it starts in the backfield.
Arians will work on screen passes as well to help out offense
Koetter didn’t care for the screen to much.
July 14th, 2019 at 8:53 am
Agreed, no running back can be successful with our right side of the O-line. Win in the trenches first. We desperately need help on the o-line. Not one player is better than a journeyman and we have to stop drafting projects from div III schools. There are better UDFAs from the SEC out there.
July 14th, 2019 at 9:09 am
I agree. It starts up front. Gotta build the trenches. Put Rojo or barber behind the cowboys o-line a few years ago an I bet no one would be hating on either of them but that’s what ifs they still need to find ways to produce with what they have no if and or buts about it. It’s a production league go Bucs #endthedrought
July 14th, 2019 at 9:16 am
IMO….the Bucs owners would prefer to coach up unproven/cheaper talent to pair with Winston. If Winston doesn’t do much, it easier to blow this thing up and move on.
July 14th, 2019 at 9:17 am
“If the two sides do get a new agreement before the 2019 season, what exactly would the cap be like then?”
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The current agreement is not running out before the ’19 season, so I do not understand the question, Joe. If there is no agreement before the ’21 season, it is possible that they could agree to play under the current agreement parameters while continuing negotiations; or the owners could agree to play the season with no salary cap. I don’t see that happening, though.
Fixing the trenches, fixes the running game. Go Bucs!!
July 14th, 2019 at 9:23 am
First of all we can’t even afford to pay Gordon right now…
Secondly, I don’t think we necessarily need to bring in “better” RBs persay, we just need our offensive line not to chose to suck every week…
July 14th, 2019 at 9:32 am
Somehow I doubt BA came in here watched the tape of koetter scheme and offense and decided I’m not gonna add any talent and I’m actually going to have them play the exact same type of scheme and do the exact thing they were not successful at last year because the only problem is they didnt coach right lol. It’s why no one listens to fans or media. Front offices cant afford to move on from guys who dont have a good year because fans think 6 pro bowlers need to be drafted every year, most guys do need to be developed
July 14th, 2019 at 9:43 am
No no no Joe
July 14th, 2019 at 9:49 am
Upgrade the right guard position not running back.
July 14th, 2019 at 9:59 am
Big Bruce has offered high praise for both Barber and RoJo, so there’s that…
July 14th, 2019 at 10:02 am
If the two sides are trying to hammer out a new agreement before the 2019 season, would that supersede the final year of the current agreement? We don’t know either way, therefore, no telling what the salary cap could be for this year, and beyond.
In fact, we don’t know what the salary cap will be for 2020 either. It always goes up each year. How much, who knows?
July 14th, 2019 at 10:14 am
Nope Gordon isn’t worth it… I’ll stick with what we got coaching was terrible last year and many years before that
July 14th, 2019 at 10:15 am
I say it once again. You don’t have to fit his current cap hit under the cap. You have to fit more. Because his current cap hit is what he’s complaining about!
July 14th, 2019 at 10:52 am
No reason to mortgage the future for a current misfit GM to look better. He’s only hosing his replacement by doing that.
July 14th, 2019 at 10:57 am
My take is the agreement trying to be hased out now will not replace what’s set for 2020. Frankly, this current series of meetings is all about feeling good to dry run the process and get the real issues out so we don’t have a repeat of 2011. Bottom line is with billions at stake and so many contentious issues, I don’t see them closing a deal until they actually have to. All that said, I don’t think the Chargers will put him up.
July 14th, 2019 at 11:26 am
The DUKE
July 14th, 2019 at 11:30 am
Based on coaching and use, I’m not so sure Gordon is significantly better than the RB’s the Bucs currently have.
The grass is not always that greener on the other side.
Additionally, since the Bucs picked up Hargreaves 5th year option, that option is included in any trade and is worth $9 million against future caps.
Casuals need to enter a “knee-jerk” rehab program.
July 14th, 2019 at 11:32 am
If there is any roster movement to be done in the coming weeks, I suspect it will be a decent OL or two, specifically a guard.
That said, Johnson might be had for a future mid-round pick.
July 14th, 2019 at 11:38 am
I’m with Hodad and Bird and all the guys who want us to build the OL to greater strength than worrying about who is running the ball.
A great line can make RB’s look great. A mediocre line can make a back look mediocre and a poor OL makes a back look poor. Which is where we are with Barber.
Barber gained just 13 fewer yards than Gordon who of course also brings his impressive ability to catch out of the backfield and make big plays. We already have a bonanza of targets for JW…two great WR’s…two great TE’s…and several other talented targets…we do not need an RB who is spectacular or even really good like Melvin out of the backfield. Would it be nice? Of course but like the others….I want a DOMINANT OL more than I want a dominant RB.
I’m not as down on our OL as others…I do see potential…but I would never see us as a dominant line this year…maybe highly improved with a chance to pick up a monster OL or two next year and dominate in ’20. That’s my largest fantasy right now…a rapidly improving OL and a top ten NFL kicker.
July 14th, 2019 at 11:48 am
Save the cap space! Jonathan Taylor/Wisconsin in 2020.
July 14th, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Joe Says:
“If the two sides are trying to hammer out a new agreement before the 2019 season, would that supersede the final year of the current agreement?”
.
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Now I see. Go Bucs!!
July 14th, 2019 at 2:34 pm
NBC Sports is reporting the Chargers want at least a 1st round pick & player for Gordon. The story is how the eagles should trade a 1st & OL to get him. If that’s the true cost, NO THANK YOU! Recent history has shown, we’re picking in the top 10 I’m not good with a top pick who also wants the average for the top end backs, $13 million per. We can’t afford that & give up a 1st. Would love to have him but not at that price.
July 14th, 2019 at 3:16 pm
I would never EVER spend a 1st round pick on a running back, especially one who is costing well more than rookie contract money. They have an average life expectancy of like 3 seasons because they get injured so much.
July 14th, 2019 at 3:17 pm
In the NFL it’s a team sport meaning…when things work together, there is a better chance to win. So without a solid O/Line, there is little chance any running back will succeed!!GO BUCS GO SUHY GO ROJO!!
July 14th, 2019 at 3:22 pm
I really think people are sleeping on Earl Watford the RG Bucs signee in FA Bucs Coach BA knows what he can do an he’s a solid Vet we can plug-in the RG position an I honestly think if Benneoch would have stayed at his RT position he would be starting this year last cpl of years Bucs have been known to play players out of position an it hurt there growth an development I think Caleb can push Dotson for starting RT an don’t sleep on Lediktie could surprise an Cappa should develop tremendously with real coaching watch our Bucs Thrive GoBucs stay sleep
July 14th, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Rojo An Barber will be great 1 & 2 punch this year Bash an Dash
July 14th, 2019 at 3:27 pm
BucHead
If the guys play as we hope you’ve just created a great moniker.
Bashandash. I love it!
July 14th, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Gordon isn’t a fit for the Bucs given the financial compensation and draft picks needed.
July 15th, 2019 at 7:19 am
Maybe we can find an all pro right guard in the dumpster by mid august that someone released, along with a good running back. Sign them both for the NFL minimum salary. That what JL is dreaming. HAHAHAHA.
July 16th, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Pass. To expensive for Tampa to even think about. What would it take to get him? What if he gets injured and you wasted draft capital to get him. Plus hes going to be on limited carriers the rest of his career.