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The Philadelphia Eagles will not be acquiring Josh Gordon.
The New England Patriots, who began the season with only three wide receivers on their 53-man roster, completed a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Monday afternoon. The Browns received a 2019 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for the 27-year-old pass catcher. If Gordon isn’t active for 10 games this year, the Browns will reportedly send a 2019 seventh-round pick back to New England. That condition helps mitigate the risk Gordon presents.
Despite the Eagles’ need to add a new receiver, it appears Philadelphia was never really interested in Gordon.
Lot of scuttlebutt out there about the Eagles and Josh Gordon, but from what I gather they aren't really in the hunt
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 17, 2018
It’s a bummer to see the Eagles pass on an option that would’ve potentially helped them. Gordon’s hamstring is reportedly healthy enough to play despite straining his hamstring recently so he can make an immediate impact. With that said, Howie Roseman still has some options.
One of those options could be impacted by the Patriots’ acquisition of Gordon. It was previously reported that Kenny Britt planned to re-sign with the Pats, but that might not be the case now. Maybe the Eagles will look into signing the free agent who had a career year with Mike Groh as his wide receivers coach in 2015. Or maybe the Eagles look to a familiar face in Jeremy Maclin, if he’s healthy.
The Eagles have to do something. With it sounding like Alshon Jeffery won’t be back this week, the Eagles could be down to just Nelson Agholor, Kamar Aiken, Shelton Gibson, and DeAndre Carter at receiver.
At least Carson Wentz will be back at quarterback.
UPDATE: The Patriots are cutting Corey Coleman to make room for Gordon. Coleman signed with the Pats last week before his scheduled free agent visit with Philadelphia. Maybe the Eagles sign him now?