Denver Broncos 7 possible moves to watch for at 2022 NFL trade deadline

5. Melvin Gordon to the Los Angeles Rams for Cam Akers

Is the writing on the wall for Melvin Gordon with the Denver Broncos? It’s possible.

The Broncos did put Gordon back into the starting lineup and the rotation at running back, in general, the last weekend against the New York Jets. It’s been a couple of weeks without a fumble from Melvin Gordon, but it was a brutal start to the season.

Four games into the 2022 season, Gordon had four fumbles. Dating back to last year, it was five games and five fumbles. He had lost two fumbles that were recovered by the other team for touchdowns dating 12 games back to last season.

After effectively being “benched” against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football a couple of weeks ago, it appeared as though Gordon was going to be just flat-out cut by the Denver Broncos. Instead, he had a conversation with Nathaniel Hackett and was thrust back into the starting lineup against the Jets. Nobody in Broncos Country really understood.

Perhaps Nathaniel Hackett was told to keep Gordon in the rotation to preserve his trade value. If that’s the case, the Broncos still might not get much for him, but there has been a popular idea floating around that fits the “who says no?” category.

Melvin Gordon for Cam Akers — who says no?

From the Broncos’ perspective, this kind of move could give Denver a decent risk-reward option at the position and at least somebody besides Javonte Williams under contract for 2023. Akers has shown himself to be a potential featured back at times but he’s had a tough time in Los Angeles after suffering an injury in 2021.

The Broncos could get at least something of value for Gordon here and protect themselves in the event that Javonte Williams can’t go at the start of the 2023 season.