What Josh Gordon’s Reported RFA Tender Means For Patriots, Wideout

Josh Gordon may return to the field in 2019, and he will probably join the New England Patriots. Several reports confirm that the Patriots placed an original-round restricted free agent tender on Gordon. The wideout is serving his indefinite suspension for violating the terms of his reinstatement.

The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin was the first to confirm the tender. According to this, Gordon will get $2.025 million in 2019.

If another NFL teams shows interest for the wide receiver, New England will receive the team’s second-round draft pick in 2020. Gordon went through several suspensions and off-field issues. This makes us believe that other teams will try to sign him at this point of his career.

Gordon played 11 games with the Patriots in 2018. The team acquired him from the Cleveland Browns through a September trade. The former All-Pro turned out to be a valuable player in the Patriots’ offense.

Gordon was able to catch 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns. He also served as the team’s top downfield threat. Gordon didn’t play with the Patriots in the postseason after the NFL suspended him after the Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

We can’t really tell if Gordon will be reinstated. A recent report from NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero says that the reinstation process may start in May.

Adding Gordon to the crew again would definitely be a nice boost for the New England Patriots’ receiving unit. The team now has Julian Edelman, Braxton Berrios, Damoun Patterson and special teamer Matthew Slater. Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson will become free agents when the NFL league year opens Wednesday afternoon.

Gordon thanked his team for everything they have done for him, and Tom Brady responded to his message. We can already see these two playing together again.