Film review: Let’s take a look at the last time Josh Gordon was on a football field

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has decided to kick the tires on another NFL veteran who hopes to reclaim lost glory. It’s wide receiver Josh Gordon — who was recently reinstated by the league and will be signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Gordon achieved All-Pro status following his 2013 campaign, when he put up over 1,600 receiving yards and caught nine touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns.

Since then, however, it is well documented how he has dealt with substance abuse and repeated suspensions. He continues to get more chances, and perhaps he can stick around with the Chiefs.

He last played in 2019 for both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

It has been over two years since Gordon has scored a touchdown in the NFL.

The last time he did was Week 1 of the 2019 season. He caught a short pass over the middle and turned it into a 20-yard score. He makes the first man miss and somehow maintains his balance to power out and squeak his way by the pylon before any defenders can get to him.

Gordon should have scored against the New York Jets in Week 3, but a lousy drop resulted in a lost opportunity. You can see it is a simple fade concept, and Tom Brady places the ball where Gordon can easily snag it. Unfortunately, he doesn’t make the play.

There is no reason for this ball to hit the ground. Gordon is a superior enough athlete to capitalize on these types of throws. Gordon struggled with a few drops during his last stint, but there is enough good film to justify the signing.

If Gordon can eventually be a third or fourth option in the receiving game and make big plays like this, it will be a successful addition. Gordon doesn’t have to be a 1,000-yard player for the Chiefs. He can provide a reliable scoring threat when Travis Kelce and/or Tyreek Hill are being schemed away.

We know that the No. 2 wide receiver spot is currently a committee approach, so Gordon may eventually be eased into that rotation.

At the ceiling, Gordon can become a regular starter and alleviate the pressure of the stars to constantly crank out 100-yard performances. Other players have to step up, and Gordon has shown the ability to step up in past instances.

Another reason to bring him in is the scheme fit. He is versatile enough to fit in head coach Andy Reid’s system, which could be their first approach — special packages with specific plays designed to get him acclimated.

The bottom line

I don’t think anyone is penciling him in for any more All-Pro seasons, but could he be a difference-maker down the road somewhere in a playoff game?

That’s what the coaching staff is looking to find out. At the end of the day, he makes this roster a little better and maybe even a lot better come January.