Josh Gordon just isn't worth the risk for Eagles

A talented NFL receiver is now available. The Eagles need some help at receiver.

So, sure, it’s tempting.

Josh Gordon, who is set to be released by the Browns and is now trade bait, is a fantastic receiver. No question about it. When he’s on a football field, he’s one of the best receivers in the league. In Week 1, after missing training camp and barely playing in the last few years, Gordon caught a tremendous 17-yard touchdown pass.

He’s good. But he’s not worth it.

He’s not dependable.

And it sure doesn’t seem like he’s healthy.

I understand how tempting Josh Gordon could be to some teams, but they need to realize this has been going for ten years. He needs to put his life on pause again, and not do anything else but try to heal
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) September 16, 2018

On Josh Gordon: He was late today to the facility, source said. In addition, he was fine at Friday’s practice, then injured his hamstring. The question of how is part of the reason they released him. My understanding is it’s an overall trust issue for a player on thin ice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2018

Updated: #Browns Gordon showed up late to the facility on Saturday morning and was 'not himself.' Red flag for possible substance use was the concern of some in the org, sources tell clevelanddotcom https://t.co/KMdBeX9JVO
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 15, 2018

For what it’s worth, according to NFL Network, Gordon is eyeing that Cowboys and the 49ers. Take that as you will.

Gordon played just five games last season. He didn’t play in 2016. He was suspended in 2015. He played five games in 2014. His best season came in 2013, when he caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. That was a long time ago.

If his impending release from the Browns is related to his substance-abuse problems, it’s hard to see the Eagles really taking that chance. Sure, the Eagles have taken some chances before, but not after really checking out a guy’s background. I have a feeling they’re not going to like what they find with Gordon.

Another common thing we always hear about the Eagles is that they have a strong locker room, a locker room that could perhaps withstand the addition of a player like Gordon. But the reason the Eagles locker room is so strong is because they bring in the right people.

When they won a Super Bowl in 2017, the Eagles built their team around a selfless roster that put the team first. Why chance ruining that?

The Eagles are absolutely missing Alshon Jeffery right now as he recovers from that rotator cuff surgery. But he is going to return and the Eagles offense is going to be fine until then.

I know it’s tempting, but they need to pass on Gordon. He’s super talented, I think we all wish him the best with his sobriety, but it isn’t worth it.