3 options 49ers have to replace running back Tevin Coleman

Swing big for a star: Melvin Gordon

It would come as a major shock if the 49ers made a meaningful offer for Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. But it still doesn’t hurt them to call the Chargers and see what’s going on.

Gordon has had an up-and-down career, but one thing is certain: he has talent. He would make a potential running back committee lethal, especially when put in a scheme like Kyle Shanahan’s.

The main issue with Gordon is cost, both short term and long term. ESPN’s Josnia Anderson reported the Chargers wanted a first-round pick in any Gordon trade.

The 49ers may be 1-0 with a much-improved defense, but they cannot give that capital for a position which, frankly, is easily filled.

Beyond that, Gordon is asking for a new contract, one which would make him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. The 49ers already spent a lot of money on Jerick McKinnon, and as NBC Sports’ Brian Witt explains, have to deal with contract extensions for George Kittle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

They cannot give Gordon the long-term deal he seeks.

But a potential trade which could work is like the one the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly offered: a swap of mid-round picks and running back Jordan Howard for Gordon. This is more indicative of Gordon’s value, and the trade clearly shows him as a short-term pickup.

The 49ers could meet this offer and probably improve upon it by trading from their now-loaded defensive line. The Chargers don’t necessarily need running backs; they could use interior linemen. Perhaps a player like D.J. Jones, or in a rarer case, Solomon Thomas or Arik Armstead.

With a position like running back, there are a lot of potential ways the Niners could play this. The most important job the 49ers will have is not overreacting and potentially creating another weakness.

A low-level or low-risk move is probably for the best.