After the Tennessee Titans lost star running back Derrick Henry to injury, some fans and pundits suggested the team should trade for Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Broncos have already shipped outside linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams for draft picks, so it appears Denver is in rebuild mode. The Broncos also have rookie Javonte Williams, who would be more than capable of leading the backfield if Gordon left town.
Such a trade seems unlikely, though, after Tennessee signed veteran Adrian Peterson on Tuesday. Peterson will initially join the Titans’ practice squad, but he is expected to be activated to the 53-man roster before long.
Despite his age (36), Peterson has remained productive, totaling 1,502 yards and 12 touchdowns over the last two seasons. AP could emerge as Tennessee’s primary running back, and he’s cheaper than Gordon.
To acquire Gordon, the Titans would have to give up a draft pick and then pay what’s left of his salary (around $4.6 million). Even before Tennessee signed Peterson, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Monday morning that Gordon is “unlikely” to be traded to the Titans.
There’s still time before the trade deadline (2 p.m. MT on Nov. 2), and if Tennessee makes an offer, Denver should listen. But right now, a trade doesn’t appear likely to happen.
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