On the heels of bringing back Paul Richardson last week, the Seahawks are also bringing back Josh Gordon!
This is obviously a great move. As it was last year – before his indefinite suspension for drugs and/or alcohol – there’s very little downside and all the upside in the world. Sure, the downside is the aforementioned possibility of another suspension for drugs and/or alcohol, but when you’re paying him the minimum – and he’s got #1 wide receiver talent when he’s on the field – I’m willing to take that risk. Of giving him a roster spot. Of cutting a younger guy you’ll probably be able to sneak onto the practice squad anyway.
Someone made the point on Twitter, and I think it’s a good one: with no pre-season games, you really need veterans who are familiar with your system to step up (because newcomers are likely to have a steeper learning curve). Speaking of Paul Richardson, I think his case is a good example of why the Josh Gordon signing is so much more impactful. Pete Carroll said something to the effect of how much of a hard time Richardson is having trying to get up to speed with this offense. I know he has a rapport with Russell Wilson and everything, but we have a different offensive coordinator and scheme we’re running here (than what we had the last time he was in Seattle), and so it might take him a few weeks before he’s comfortable in the terminology and everything.
Unfortunately for Richardson, those few weeks are going to carry us into the regular season, and we’ll see if he can stick. Rosters are supposed to be cut down from 80 players today, to whatever they’re going to be for the regular season (53? 55? I have no idea). Assuming the coaches are comfortable with Richardson closing the knowledge gap in a reasonable timeframe – AND assuming Josh Gordon is ever reinstated by the NFL so he can play again this year – the wide receiver group is looking VERY interesting:
- Tyler Lockett
- D.K. Metcalf
- Josh Gordon
- Phillip Dorsett
- Paul Richardson
- David Moore/John Ursua/Freddie Swain
Even if those bottom guys are all cut, that’s a pretty elite receiver group from top to bottom. With Greg Olsen and Will Dissly both healthy at the tight end spot – and with our running backs being as great as they are – I don’t want to hear ANYONE complaining that Russell Wilson doesn’t have enough weapons. He has plenty! If he can’t make this a Top 5 offense with those guys – regardless of whether he’s allowed to cook or not – then honestly that’s on him (and maybe a little bit on the offensive line, depending on how much they struggle).
You know what? Let’s not think about a potentially-struggling offensive line right now. WHO INVITED THEM TO THIS POST ANYWAY?!