The Chargers or Ravens may trade for struggling running back, Rhamondre Stevenson this season. According to a report, many sources are saying that head coach Jerod Mayo is considering benching Stevenson in favor of Antonio Gibson. Stevenson is having issues as a ball carrier keeping the football in possession after fumbling at least once every game. It’ll be interesting to see what the Patriots see in Stevenson’s future considering after signing an extension in June but a trade shouldn’t be off the table.
Gibson has come in as a free agent this year, rushing for 267 yards with two touchdowns and catching nine passes for 34 yards. However, it was looking like Stevenson was going to be their long-term starter since former Patriot Ezekiel Elliott struggled to get anything going. New England will probably reduce his workload and the only time he would come in is if Gibson struggles or suffers an injury. The Patriots would only become sellers this upcoming trade deadline if they continue losing and one of those names may be Stevenson.
The writing on the wall may already be there for Stevenson but he’s confident he’ll figure it out. However, there are some teams already in the league struggling with their backfield situation and depth. If Stevenson becomes available, many should expect the Chargers and Ravens to become trade suitors.
Chargers, Ravens May Trade For Struggling Running Back Rhamondre Stevenson
More Depth for Derrick Henry
The Ravens have one of the best running backs in the league right now. They can’t afford a Derrick Henry injury to happen or else they would have to depend on Justice Hill. The problem with that is Hill is nothing more but a rotational piece that values the catching game over running the ball. Since Keaton Mitchell probably won’t play this year, they must find someone who could share the carries with Henry.
John Harbaugh says this team doesn’t depend on one player like giving the ball to Henry 100% of the time, so they should find someone to help him. The Ravens are looking like a playoff team again after their slow 0-2 start but they want to ensure Henry stays healthy. Stevenson may not do much coming into a new team but it gives him a new scenery around a championship mentality roster having a lot of talent for him to learn. It gives Baltimore a new set of hands to work behind Henry to keep him fresh in time for the postseason when it counts.
Jim Harbaugh’s Running Game
Nobody in this entire league enjoys a team running the football like Jim Harbaugh. It works out for Justin Herbert who’s playing hurt so he might not take any chances staying in the pocket looking for an open. It’s already a big risk for Herbert considering the Chargers didn’t do much to replace Mike Williams or Keenan Allen. Rookie Ladd McConkey is probably their only dependable option but it’s only so much he can do in his first year.
Herbert has a few reliable receivers and Gus Edwards is playing like a journeyman so they could pull the hammer on a Stevenson trade. He could make life easier for Herbert since Harbaugh loves to run the football often which would give Stevenson several running opportunities.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
It’s safe to say the Panthers are heading towards another rebuilding mode rather than postseason contention. After benching Bryce Young and losing Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson, this means their season could be over. However, there are some questions about Miles Sanders and his relationship with the team. There are still some rumors floating that Sanders could be available on the trade block if Carolina is well out of the playoff race.
If that’s true, the Panthers could become buyers as well to try to bring in new talent. Rookie Jonathon Brooks probably won’t get a start until next year so Stevenson’s presence should help him.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have had a stagnant running game since losing Isiah Pacheco. Clyde Edwards-Helaire might be coming back but no one should anticipate him to explode. Samaje Perine is an average ball carrier which leaves a returning Kareem Hunt on the roster. Pacheco will return this year but only time can tell if he’s the same player.
Stevenson isn’t anything special either but his presence could give another team another weapon to utilize in rotation.
