Shocker of The Week
After trading for WR Josh Gordon and releasing WR Corey Coleman, the Patriots now have made 28 transactions involving a wide receiver since the start of the new league year in March.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2018
What a shcoker! If there was any chance former Browns WR Josh Gordon was going to remain in the AFC last week nobody would believe you. The Cleveland Browns GM John Dorsey reported that he had Gordon on the trade block. If he didn’t make a good trade, he would be cut by Monday at 4 PM.
However, the Patriots made the bombshell of the week! The Patriots without Julian Edelman, have one of the weaker receiving cores in the NFL. But with Josh Gordon in this line up, could become a difference maker. Not possibly to the same level as TE Rob Gronkowski, but it would be close.
Low Risk, High Reward
Full compensation trade update: Patriots send Browns a 2019 fifth-round pick for WR Josh Gordon and get back a 2019 seventh-round pick if he is not active for 10 games, source tells ESPN. Trade was supposed to be for a 6th-round pick, but Patriots don't have a 6th.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2018
The terms of the agreement were quite surprising. Only a fifth round pick was given in exchange for the former Brown. In fact, the Browns would have taken a 6th round pick! However, the Patriots already traded that pick. The reality is, that the Patriots even got a pick back in case things don’t work out.
There is really no risk with Gordon. He is one ban, let me repeat, ONE BAN, from being indefinitely suspended from the NFL. He has broken violations for substance abuse multiple times since he was drafted in the 2012 Supplement draft. However, Gordon was a high end talent that was All-Pro in 2013. If he can keep himself clean off the field, then he could potentially be a game changer for this Patriots offense.
Now, let’s not start saying this is Randy Moss 2.0 happening, because it isn’t. Moss was once-in-a-generation talent that you will never see again. Gordon, when on the field and healthy, is a Top 10 Wide Receiver in the league. But he is far from the best. But in this case, the Patriots needed this trade to succeed.
Will He Be Ready?
New #Patriots WR Josh Gordon had an MRI on his hamstring and I’m told it came out fine. That means… Gordon could play for New England in Week 3.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2018
Right now, the jury is still out on how healthy Gordon is, but according the reports, his MRI came back minor. He (somehow) injured his leg during a photo-shoot last week, and reported into practice late. It’s not known if Gordon was under the influence while at practice but it was bad enough that Dorsey was willing to trade him without hesitation.
It’s not official whether Gordon will play Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. However, if he had to play, it will be in limited packages. He is to report to the Patriots facility in Foxboro by Tuesday to get introductions with the team. As of now, it will be a transition period for Gordon in New England. While this is a huge talent boost to the receiving core, its still going to be awhile before any results will be brought from this trade. (if any) But I am certain that fantasy owners who have Brady and Gordon in their league are quite happy with this trade.
