1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a no-brainer. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have arguably the worst running back corps in the entire NFL, and new head coach Bruce Arians may have a problem with the current depth chart. It’s no secret Arians loves having a true workhorse running back, evidenced by his time as head coach with the Arizona Cardinals and his utilization of David Johnson.
The Buccaneers current starter appears to be Peyton Barber, a former undrafted free agent who averaged 3.7 yards per carry in 2018. Barber started all 16 games for Tampa Bay last season, finishing with 871 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Entering the last year of his current contract with only $1 million in guaranteed money, it’d be easy for the Bucs to move on should they choose to do so.
After Barber on the depth chart is Ronald Jones, a former second-rounder who had a dismal rookie season in 2018, racking up just 44 yards and one touchdown in nine games. Andre Ellington is likely the third option behind Jones entering training camp, though he primarily serves as a receiving back.
Melvin Gordon would provide an immediate upgrade and would serve as the focal point of Arians’ new offense. Gordon would take a bulk of the load off quarterback Jameis Winston‘s shoulders, allowing for an easier transition into Arians’ offense.