Josh Gordon hits waivers as Patriots reportedly release wide receiver off injured reserve
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are releasing wide receiver Josh Gordon off injured reserve on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter. Gordon will now be subject to the NFL’s waiver rules.
Gordon, 28, was placed on IR last Wednesday in a surprise move ahead of Sunday’s game against the Browns. The Pats had officially announced the release of tight end Eric Tomlinson, but later reported that Tomlinson was still on the roster and that Gordon would go to IR.
Since the receiver was dealing with a minor injury, the Patriots had to release him once healthy. His move to waivers signifies that he is no longer injured. Schefter described Gordon’s most desirable destination as a “good, supportive situation”.
Maneuvering Gordon to waivers leaves him open to the entire league to claim him before he becomes a free agent, making it significantly harder for him to land with a contending team. But it was known as soon as Gordon moved to IR that his time with the Patriots was over.
The Patriots would save about $1 million off the cap if another team claims Gordon. They signed the receiver to a non-guaranteed RFA tender worth $2.025 million in the offseason.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].