Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Josh Gordon Could Be A Trade Target For The Eagles After NFL Reinstatement
With a little over a month until the start of the 2016 NFL season, rumors are heating up regarding the Philadelphia Eagles and how their roster is going to look in their opening game against the Cleveland Browns on September 11. After firing Chip Kelly and hiring Doug Pederson as the new head coach, it appears as though the Eagles are in for a rebuilding year. Regardless, they traded numerous draft picks to move up to the No. 2 overall pick in the recent NFL draft in order to select North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz, so there is optimism among the fans for the future of the franchise.
While the idea of finally having a franchise quarterback is exciting, the Eagles lack talent at other skill positions on the offensive side of the football. Kelly, who got rid of numerous talented players because of their poor attitudes, decimated the Eagles offense during his tenure as the head coach. In addition to releasing wide receiver DeSean Jackson and trading running back LeSean McCoy, Kelly also failed to re-sign his wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin.
Should the Eagles trade for Josh Gordon? https://t.co/aH52sfL0Bl
— Bleeding Green Nation (@BleedingGreen) July 26, 2016
He did attempt to address running back and wide receiver positions in free agency and in the draft, but the production of Jackson, McCoy, and Maclin has still not been replaced. Wide receiver Jordan Mathews and tight end Zach Ertz are solid options, but the Eagles desperately lack an explosive talent.
Josh Gordon, who has been suspended numerous times for violating the NFL’s drug policy, has just been reinstated. At only 25-years-old, Gordon still has time to become one of the league’s top wide receivers. The problem is he cannot seem to stay out of trouble. While he will have another chance this season, he is going to be suspended for the first four games, as ESPN reports.
“The NFL announced Gordon’s reinstatement Monday, saying he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season. He will be allowed to join the Browns at their training camp, which starts Thursday, and can participate in all team meetings and activities.”
While Gordon will be free to join the Browns at training camp, some insiders around the league feel as though he could potentially be traded. ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton told 97.5 The Fanatic that he thinks the Eagles could potentially be interested in trading for Gordon, as reported by NJ Advance Media.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we look down the landscape that a receiver pops up. Let’s say for example that the Cleveland Browns want to trade Josh Gordon. What teams might be interested? Philly might be one of those teams that would consider it. You’d be getting a great talent cheap and he could fit the outside spot.”
The question is whether or not the Browns would be interested in trading Gordon and how much they would want in return. After trading numerous draft picks to the Cleveland Browns a few months ago, the Eagles have to be careful to not further mortgage their future. While Gordon has shown that he has the talent to become one of the top receivers, he has not had a productive season since 2013. Much of this can be explained by suspension and incompetent quarterback play in 2014, but Gordon is still a risk. Even if he manages to stay clean, he is now three years removed from his last great season.
I know it's unlikely, BUTTTTTTTTTTT (let me dream) https://t.co/Lje4FcR75c
— Jamie Lynch (@jelynchjr) July 26, 2016
With Kelly now in San Francisco, there is a better chance that the Eagles would have an interest in Gordon. While Kelly sacrificed talent for character, Pederson may not have the same strict standards. Either way, he would be a smart risk for a team that needs help at wide receiver.
While the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the NFL season, Josh Gordon will not be in uniform for either team. The only question remaining is would Browns consider trading him? Regardless of what team he is on, his return in Week 5 is going to be extremely interesting.
[Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images]
