The New England Patriots have reportedly acquired Josh Gordon in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, and it sounds like the star wide receiver could be ready to make an immediate impact.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Gordon had an MRI on his injured hamstring and it is not considered serious. In fact, he’s healthy enough to play for New England against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night if they can get him up to speed.
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
Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter also revealed the details of the trade, and the Patriots are sending a fifth-round pick to the Browns for Gordon. If Gordon isn’t active for 10 games this season, Cleveland has to send a late-round pick back.
Trade now agreed to: Patriots are sending Cleveland a 5th-round pick and if Gordon isn't active for 10 games, Patriots get back a late-round pick from Browns, sources tell ESPN.
As @rapsheet reported, Patriots were closing in on trade for Gordon.
Trade now official.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2018
The Browns released a statement over the weekend confirming that they are moving on from Gordon, and several teams have reportedly shown interest in trading for him. It’s unclear exactly why Cleveland decided to cut ties with Gordon so abruptly, but possible reasons that have been floated range from him showing up late for work to possibly having another relapse.
Judging by the reaction he had to one of the reports about him, it seems unlikely that Gordon is facing a suspension. If Gordon can somehow stay out of trouble, he could provide the Patriots with a major boost at a position of need.
