Josh Gordon is still serving his latest suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but the New England Patriots made a move on Tuesday that will assure he is on a roster if the league reinstates him.
According to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, the Patriots placed an original round restricted free agent tender on Gordon. That means he will make just over $2 million if he returns and plays for New England, and the Patriots will get a second-round draft pick as compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Source: The Patriots have placed an original round Restricted Free Agent tender on WR Josh Gordon. He is set to make a $2.025m salary if/when he returns from suspension. If he signs with another team, Patriots would get a 2nd round pick
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 12, 2019
Given how many times Gordon has been suspended, it was not a guarantee that any team would have signed him if the Patriots chose not to tender him. Likely realizing that, Gordon took to Instagram on Tuesday to thank the Pats.
Gordon is apparently not facing a lifetime ban for his latest violation, though it remains unclear when he might be eligible for reinstatement. It seems like he established some close relationships with teammates during his brief time in New England, as evidenced by the way he was rooting for them during the postseason. If Gordon ends up getting cleared, it would not be a surprise if he’s a big part of the Patriots’ plans.
