For now, the Josh Gordon experiment for the Kansas City Chiefs is over after they have announced his release.
The #Chiefs are releasing WR Josh Gordon, per source.
Gordon has shown great character on the field and in the community since he got to Kansas City and the team is open to him returning. But it’s a numbers game right now and he’s the odd man out. pic.twitter.com/voVS4Hpubo
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2022
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero tweeted, “The #Chiefs are releasing WR Josh Gordon, per source. Gordon has shown great character on the field and in the community since he got to Kansas City, and the team is open to him returning. But it’s a numbers game right now, and he’s the odd man out.”
It’s great that he has won the battle against illegal substances that wiped out three full seasons of his career.
However, he hasn’t shown enough reason for the Chiefs to keep him.
He failed to make a catch during their preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Then, he only had one catch for ten yards versus the Washington Commanders.
Gordon did not play in their preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers.
His stint with the Chiefs last season was forgettable, with only 32 yards and a touchdown in 12 games.
Even with All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill traded to the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs have surrounded Patrick Mahomes with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, and rookie Skyy Moore.
Therefore, it was difficult to see Gordon retaining his spot after three preseason games.
Wasted Talent
There was a time when Gordon was one of the best wideouts in the league.
In 2013, the former Baylor standout had 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns.
Those numbers earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection.
But since then, his battles with banned substances robbed him of reaching greater heights.
He only played 11 games from 2014 to 2018 before he was traded to the New England Patriots.
As a consolation, Gordon won Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots.
Still, football fans will forever wonder what could have been if he got it right.
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