Written by: Peter Vandeventer | @PeteVandeventer
The New England Patriots waived Josh Gordon. After going through the waiver process the Seahawks (who were 28th in waiver wire order), claimed him. The Seahawks will be paying the remainder of Gordon’s salary of $1 million. Gordon, who is 28 years old, was traded to the Patriots in 2018 will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
To make room for Josh “Flash” Gordon, the Seahawks have released veteran LB, Dekoda Watson.
Though Gordon has had several off the field issues, I fully expect the culture and atmosphere that Carroll and Schneider have built, will allow him to produce to the best of his abilities and stay clean. Gordon has been proactive and vocal about his issues and I expected nothing but great things from him while he is in Seattle. The organization hasn’t shied away from players with issues such as Frank Clark and is one of the best situations to come into for Gordon.
Thus far this year, in a somewhat limited role, Josh Gordon has 20 receptions for 287 yards and a TD. Flash currently ranks 2nd in yards/rec as well as 11th in receiving yards/game by active players. This level of big-play ability will be hard to defend as the Seahawks can truly run or throw over you.
Flash will be joining a talented and explosive group of receivers in Seattle with Lockett, Metcalf, and David Moore. With Wilson at QB, the Seahawks passing game will be even more explosive with the unique skillset of Gordon, which was DK Metcalf’s comp coming out of college.
Gordon’s huge frame along with his freakish athletic abilities will put a lot of strain on defenses especially if on the field the same time as Metcalf. Under Schottenheimer, the Seahawks have implemented air Coryell offense that relies heavily on a strong running game as well as receivers that can get open downfield. This is exactly what they’ve been able to build and grow thus far. I don’t expect the connection to be strong right away between Gordon and Wilson, and it might not be amazing during scramble drills but Russ’ general knowledge of the game should find ways to best utilize him.
This move will give offense extra life and firepower in time as they have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL that includes 5 of their next 6 being primetime games. Though Gordon won't be able to play on Sunday against the Bucs, you should expect him to be all ready to go when the Seahawks face off against the 49ers. With the addition of Gordon as well as several players returning from injury for the 49ers, look towards next week as a possible game of the year option with huge division and playoff implications.
Since Gordon passed his exit physical with the Patriots, it becomes mindboggling to think about how every team in from of the Seahawks (all 27 of them) didn't see claiming Gordon as a reasonable addition to their football squad and offense. But hey, I guess the rich will get richer and Gordon will get every chance he wants to try and prove everyone else wrong as the Seahawks stand in a great position for the playoffs and beyond.