Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

A number of quality running backs could be on the move at the NFL trade deadline, including Melvin Gordon and Rashaad Penny.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

"Expect some teams to call the Chargers about potentially dealing for running back Melvin Gordon. The price has been high, and L.A. will hold out for one, but this topic will be revisited. ... The Seahawks have received calls from running back-needy teams, and a potential deal for former first-round RB Rashaad Penny is possible."

Additionally, the Miami Dolphins are reportedly "open" to trading Kenyan Drake amid their fire sale, while teams have inquired about the depth chart in Kansas City and Oakland, meaning Damien Williams, DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard could potentially be on the move ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.



Per Rapoport, "The Lions have made calls to upgrade their roster, with a specific focus on the running back position." The 2-3-1 Lions are still in the playoff mix, they put starter Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve this week, and they have rookie sixth-round pick Ty Johnson atop their depth chart.

As for Gordon, Austin Ekeler has made him expendable. While Gordon held out to start the season amid a contract dispute, Ekeler thrived, and he has now rushed for 248 yards and three touchdowns while adding 49 receptions for 488 yards and another four scores.

With Justin Jackson also an option at the position, the Chargers are loaded. Plus, it seems hard to imagine Gordon re-signing with the Chargers given the gulf between the sides in previous extension talks—and the Chargers also giving him permission to seek a trade before the season.

In Seattle, Penny has never been able to displace Chris Carson from the starting position since being the No. 27 pick in the 2018 draft. That doesn't seem likely to occur anytime soon, with Carson currently seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (569), adding 22 receptions for another 149 yards and four total scores.

Carson has more than earned the feature back role, and with C.J. Prosise also available at the position, Penny is expendable.