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Melvin Gordon rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Running back Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a touchdown in the game against the Oakland Raiders at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Running back Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a touchdown in the game against the Oakland Raiders at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This past season, no team in the NFL finished with more yards per game through the air then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No quarterback finished with more passing yards (5,109) then talented Jameis Winston. And, of course, no club in the league turned over the football more (41) than Bruce Arians’ squad in 2019.

Hence what happens when you’re too reliant on one aspect of your offense and your talented but erratic signal-caller has a penchant for throwing the ball to the other team — as well as putting the pigskin on the ground. Winston has 30 interceptions and five lost fumbles (he put the ball on the ground 12 times).

A little offensive balance would certainly help. The Buccaneers finished 24th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (95.1 average). The club totaled a mere 409 running plays compared to 677 passing plays. The team does have a pair of capable runners in Ronald Jones (724) and Peyton Barber (470), who combined for 1,194 yards on the ground while each ran for six touchdowns.

Never mind the fact that the Bucs have a plan going forward when it comes to their quarterback situation. And for now, Arians and company are keeping that to themselves. But could a versatile threat out of the backfield like Melvin Gordon be an opportunity to expand the game plan? Winston’s penchant for throwing downfield and has resulted in big plays. But too often he’s forced the issue, hence those mistakes.

Next: No. 3

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