Could 2022 See Another Rams Blockbuster Trade?

Rams Blockbuster Trade:

Melvin Gordon’s production has dropped significantly over the last few seasons, but this year, his usage has declined. On numerous occasions, he’s fallen under five touches for the game. For reasons unknown, the eight-year pro seems to be getting faded out of the Broncos offense.

Gordon seems frustrated, and rightfully so. The former first-round pick is making $2.5 million after resigning with Denver this offseason on a one-year deal. Gordon has endured the last three years in which the offense and team around him have been sub-par. With first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett, there might be a little turmoil. Gordon has gone through some fumble issues this year, coughing the ball up on four occasions and losing two.

Even though he’s had some fumbling issues, the 29-year-old would be an upgrade from Cam Akers. Different running styles, and Gordon has put up better numbers this season. The only reason why this article makes sense right now, however, is because Gordon has been a mischievous young man on Twitter. After his Monday night benching, Gordon has liked tweets about trades, especially involving Cam Akers, adding fuel to the fire of this Cam Akers situation. Which makes the question, “Will Melvin Gordon be the next Rams blockbuster trade?”

Rams Blockbuster trade history:

Melvin Gordon would be just one in a long line of trades the Rams have made in the McVay era. Dating back to 2017, the Rams have made 21 total trades involving players. Of those 21 trades, five were pro bowl selections before joining LA. Gordon would make it six if he is dealt to the Rams.

The first Rams blockbuster trade was wide receiver Sammy Watkins in 2017. Watkins played in 15 of 16 games and caught eight touchdowns. In the end, the trade was for nothing, as he was gone the following year. The next two trades were for corners Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib in 2018. Both players were the first pro bowlers acquired via trade under McVay, both helped get the team to a Super Bowl, and both were gone the next season.

Receiver Brandin Cooks was acquired the same year and signed a five-year extension. He also recorded his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. By April 2020, Cooks was sent to Houston. All World corner Jalen Ramsey was the biggest splash, in my opinion, under McVay. Ramsey was 24 at the time of the trade and had just made back-to-back pro bowls. He’s still with the team and doing a fine job after his new contract was signed in 2020.

Last season, the first Rams blockbuster trade was for veteran Quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford set team records in his first year with the Rams and won a Super Bowl to cap off the year. He also became the first player to combine for 6,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in the same season. Stafford also is the lucky name next to both of the greatest receiving seasons in NFL history. Calvin Johnson in 2012 and Cooper Kupp in 2021 are the only two receivers to have 1,900 yards or more in a season.

The last Rams blockbuster trade came for Von Miller. An aging edge rusher that many people thought was washed up ended up being a missing piece to an already stellar defense. Miller dipped for Buffalo in the offseason in exchange for one final contract that he likely won’t finish out because he’ll be 39 when it ends.

Final Thoughts:

A Melvin Gordon trade shouldn’t surprise people with how things have been going for Akers and Gordon. Besides that, I think people have become accustomed to a midseason Rams blockbuster trade. If a Rams blockbuster trade doesn’t occur, people might think there’s something wrong within the organization. With the November 1st deadline fast approaching, they still have time to work something out but be on the lookout for an Akers for Gordon trade soon.