New England Patriots: Bill Belichick has no control over Josh Gordon
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has nothing to offer when it comes to the Josh Gordon situation.
The New England Patriots now have something in common with the Cleveland Browns other than both teams being coached by Bill Belichick. That something or someone is Josh Gordon.
After taking a chance on Gordon in 2018, the Patriots now find themselves in a similar position in wondering if and when the talented wide receiver will be reinstated by the NFL.
Unlike the Browns, the defending Super Bowl champions prepare as if any player is not going to be in the plans. With that next man up mentality, a player as talented as Josh Gordon will not be missed if he does not put on a Patriots’ uniform in 2019. Still, fans like to dream on how prolific the offense would be if Gordon was in the mix with Julian Edelman and first-round pick N’Keal Harry.
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If that dream is to become reality, it really is up to Josh Gordon and only Josh Gordon. He needs to prove to the NFL and himself that he is in a better place mentally. Once that happens, it does appear the New England Patriots will welcome him back with open arms, especially if the team is struggling at the wide receiver position during the early part of the season.
That may not seem like a guarantee after Bill Belichick was asked about Gordon on Thursday during his media session.
The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, who likes to have control over every little aspect of his team, admitted the team has no control over the current status of Josh Gordon.
"“We don’t have anything to do with Josh Gordon,” Belichick said Thursday. “He’s suspended. You need to talk to the league. We have no control over Josh Gordon.”"
The only thing the team does have control over is Gordon’s rights as he signed a restricted free agent tender prior to free agency. What that means is the Patriots will have an opportunity to match any contract offer extended to Josh Gordon from another team.
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Despite racking up nearly 800 yards receiving in 2018, Gordon is still a risk for any team.
With that being said, the New England Patriots are in the best position because he has had some success in the system and players like Tom Brady are willing to work with him on and off the field.
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Whatever happens with Josh Gordon, it appears his last opportunity will come with the Patriots whether that has already happened or its still lies ahead in 2019.
Right now, Bill Belichick in the coaching staff is preparing for life without him and so should fans.