Josh Gordon: 3 Teams That Might Take The Gamble

Josh Gordon has had a remarkable roller coaster career already, going from supplemental pick, to All-Pro, to out of the league for multiple years.

Like so many human beings, he’s had a hard time becoming an adult. He’s been trapped by immaturity and addictions that are not easy to get over. No matter what people who never experienced it might say differently. The guy isn’t perfect and he’s trying to change. That at least is commendable. Whether the league will be willing to let him do it on their stage? This is the question that remains as yet unanswered.

According to ESPN, the 25-year old receiver is working hard to get back into the league. He’s getting in shape and has changed agents in preparation for a decision by the NFL whether to reinstate him or not.

"“Gordon also changed agents this offseason and is now represented by Joby Branion, whose client list includes star Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller — a player who found himself in the NFL’s drug program early in his career but managed to work his way out of it.Gordon began the process of applying for reinstatement earlier this month, and sources said the expectation is that the NFL will make a decision by late April or early May. There’s no guarantee of reinstatement, considering Gordon’s history, but one source close to Gordon said he “embraces his role in his poor decision-making, which is half the battle.”"

The NFL has always tried to be a league about giving second chances. There have been far worse offenders than Gordon who managed to reclaim their careers. Like Michael Vick for example. Marijuana smoking and dog fighting aren’t even in the same zip code. So the odds are favorable he’ll get another chance, especially since he’s so young. The question then becomes which teams might be willing to kick the tires on him?

Here are three that might take the chance.

Cincinnati Bengals

Few teams have been willing to offer second chances to troubled players quite like the Bengals. Adam Jones and Vontaze Burfict are two of their biggest success stories in that regard. They feel a proper, stable structure created by head coach Marvin Lewis can do wonders for young men who still haven’t matured into adults. Gordon fits that model as well as anybody. Just think. Pairing him with A.J. Green? A no brainer from a football perspective.

Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones is either fearless or he just doesn’t give a (bleep). Time after time over many years he’s shown a willingness more than most owners to take chances on players with question marks. Look at La’el Collins (investigated for death of ex-girlfriend), Randy Gregory (drug problems) and Jaylon Smith (knee injury). Dallas doesn’t fear taking gambles on talented players. So what’s to stop them from potentially pairing Gordon with Dez Bryant?

Los Angeles Chargers

This might come as a surprise but it shouldn’t. For starters, the Chargers sorely need more help at wide receiver after injuries decimated them in 2016. Then there is another angle. Gordon’s new agent is also connected to receiver Keenan Allen, who is already employed by them. Those ties could prove critical presuming the price isn’t too high. Playing will Philip Rivers might appeal to Gordon, and vice versa.