The Kansas City Chiefs made a roster upgrade that can pay huge dividends.
Wide receiver Josh Gordon signed with the AFC contender after being reinstated by the NFL.
Gordon has had his battles with substance abuse and is looking to restart his once-promising career.
The newest Chief: @JOSH_GORDONXII 🔥
(via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/CpYTxwTFbi
— ESPN (@espn) September 27, 2021
The Cleveland Browns acquired him in the second round of the 2012 NFL supplemental draft.
He was already a Pro Bowler and a First-team All-Pro by his sophomore season after getting 84 receptions for a league-leading 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.
The New England Patriots acquired him in 2018 after playing portions of seven seasons with the Browns.
He did get a Super Bowl LIII ring even though he was not an active player for the game.
Gordon finished the season with 40 receptions for 720 yards.
Time to get to work. 🎯 @Chiefs 🙏🏾
— Flash (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 27, 2021
The former Baylor standout had a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks before breaking the terms of his conditional reinstatement.
He played for the Zappers of Fan Controlled Football earlier this year before signing with the Chiefs.
Let it be clear that Gordon is an inclusion to Kansas City’s practice squad.
Perhaps the Chiefs would like to see that he will fulfill his end of the bargain before elevating him to the active roster.
Likewise, they want to see if there’s still much game left in him.
Want some Josh Gordon? Here's some Josh Gordon. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/clysjMfibZ
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) September 29, 2021
But if this transaction pays off, it can spell trouble for all NFL defenses.
The Chiefs add another weapon to their already devastating offense, one of the league’s best.
Giving Patrick Mahomes another target downfield will open up their attack to more variations and possibilities.
Meanwhile, opposing defensive coordinators will experience headaches while figuring out ways to neutralize the Chiefs’ onslaught.
Overall, it’s a shrewd signing by the Chiefs because it checks several boxes.
The Flash And Cheetah Combination
There’s nothing wrong with Tyreek Hill being the Chiefs’ primary option at wide receiver.
He had 1,276 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns last year to earn his fifth Pro Bowl and third First-team All-Pro distinction.
He can leave defenders behind using his blazing speed, as shown in that touchdown catch against Antoine Winfield Jr. with an extra peace sign after.
Tyreek Hill gave Antoine Winfield Jr. the peace sign in the regular season 👀
Winfield got the last laugh. @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/mCpXSvPcls
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2021
Hill also runs the hot route of their “Wasp” play that helped them complete a comeback against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
However, his height is a concern, especially when two defenders crowd him.
Mahomes must execute a pin-point pass through double coverage because Hill doesn’t have the edge in jump balls.
That’s why the Chiefs use tight end Travis Kelce as their big target downfield.
Plugging in Gordon into the offense takes away much pressure off Kelce and Hill.
Travis Kelce has made countless great plays during his career. This one may top the list 🏹 pic.twitter.com/nbAy65QqQ7
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 21, 2021
The 6-foot-3 Gordon can leap over defensive backs, especially during fade routes or back-shoulder throws.
Opponents will also think twice about putting two men on Hill and Kelce because it can leave Gordon wide open or one-on-one with a smaller cornerback.
Hill will also have a teammate who can stretch the field with him during third-and-long situations.
That scenario will help Hill conserve energy for critical in-game moments.
Josh Gordon highlights to make your day better 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rc03xQCRjb
— The Kingdom (@MahomeSZN) September 28, 2021
He can even be a slot receiver to befuddle linebackers even further.
Finally, opposing pass rushers may dial down their blitz because Mahomes can throw a screen pass to Gordon.
Defenders will have nightmares if Gordon regains his old form.
It’s like seeing a track meet every time they face the Chiefs.
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