New York Jets: Josh Gordon should be free agency consideration

With Josh Gordon being reinstated by the NFL, the New York Jets should consider signing him when he becomes a restricted free agent when he becomes available.

There’s one word to describe the wide receiving corps of the New York Jets: average. There’s potential for it to climb out of mediocrity, but in order to do that, they need to develop a true No. 1 target or get one. Enter Josh Gordon.

Even though it has been two full seasons since the last time Gordon played, it’s well worth the effort. Yes, he has been suspended for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but he deserves a chance to prove himself.

The last time he played, he showed he was a No. 1 target in this league. In his last full season, he had 1,646 yards, nine touchdowns and averaged 18.9 yards per reception and 117.6 yards per game.

The combination of Quincy Enunwa and Gordon could be a dangerous duo. The Jets would have a possession receiver on one side and the speed threat on the other. Additionally, the Brown are unlikely to match an offer by any team. The Jets won’t have to overpay to get him, and it won’t cost them much. They can incentivize the deal to add bonuses for games played and production.

Given his current situation and the Jets’ as well, it could be a win-win. The Jets won’t need to spend a lot of money, and they’ll get a motivated player with talent. For Gordon, he’s in a situation where he can be an on the field mentor for the young wide receivers while also producing for the Jets and reestablishing himself as a star.

Even given the recent quote by the Associated Press from Gordon himself about smoking weed and drinking before games, he deserves another chance to show he’s rehabilitated:

"So I’d leave the hotel early morning, go home, eat breakfast, do my little ritual, whatever it may be, some weed, some alcohol and then go to the game. And then, I’d definitely be partying after every game, win or lose. Every game."

However, the big question for the Jets and Gordon is when he will become available. If he doesn’t play until Week 13, which seems to be the case as of now, he will not have accrued a “full season” by league rules. Thus, he won’t be a free agent until 2019. However, should plans change and he plays in six games this season, he would hit the market in 2018.

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If it fails for the Jets, they can just cut him. It won’t be a huge risk, and the rewards outweigh the risks. Gordon to the Jets makes more sense than not.