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5 potential replacements for Melvin Gordon

By Graham Tiedtke

Dec 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) reacts following his touchdown carry in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) reacts following his touchdown carry in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Running back Justin Jackson could be a nice cheap option for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Dec 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson (22) runs the ball against Houston Texans cornerback Tavierre Thomas (37) in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

. Running Back. Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Jackson. 2. player. 13

How about taking someone from the former team of Melvin Gordon?

Justin Jackson may not be highly prioritized by the Denver Broncos in free agency, but it would be strategic in the sense that they would be taking him away from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jackson is a backup to Austin Ekeler and averaged 5.4 yards on just 68 carries in 2021. That’s good news for anyone who wants to sign Jackson—he didn’t have much tread on his tires in 2021. In fact, 68 carries last year was his career-high.

Jackson didn’t run for 100 yards in any game last year, but against the Kansas City Chiefs in one of their meetings, he ran for 86 yards. That production, along with Javonte Williams, is something the Denver Broncos could absolutely use.

A knock on Jackson would be that he did have over 1,100 carries during his collegiate career. The thing is, I don’t think that he’d necessarily be a long-term answer, but Javonte Williams should turn into that guy.

I don’t think that Jackson will command a ton of money so this move makes some sense.

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