New England Patriots: 5 offseason storylines of intrigue

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on alongside teammates before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on alongside teammates before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Josh Gordon (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Josh Gordon (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Will Josh Gordon be reinstated?

One of the big storylines in the 2018 regular season was the rise and fall of Josh Gordon in a New England Patriots uniform.

Noted as a low-cost risk when the team traded for him early in the season, Gordon put in the work on and off the field to establish himself within the Patriots’ offense.  Establishing a good repertoire with Tom Brady, “Flash” Gordon contributed with 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns.

Related Story. Josh Gordon proved this one thing in 2018. light

But just when it looked like he would be a reliable factor heading into the postseason, he was suspended by the NFL indefinitely prior to Week 16.  His absence caused the team to change their approach offensively, which worked out for the best.  The team even acquired an additional seventh round pick due to him not lasting the entire season.

The Patriots certainly survived without Gordon, but what if he is reinstated this offseason.  Will Bill Belichick and the defending Super Bowl champions give him another try?

Reinstatement is not ruled out if Josh Gordon does what he needs to do to get better.  With the NFL Players Association expected to set the groundwork for reinstatement come May, Gordon could be back preparing for football by training camp.  The Patriots are probably the one and only team that may be willing to take another shot at Gordon at a team-friendly price.