Wide receiver Josh Gordon signed his restricted free agent tender with the New England Patriots, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. If Gordon returns from his suspension, he will rejoin the Patriots. But with Gordon, that’s a big if.
He spent the better part of three years on suspension from 2015 through 2017. He returned to action for 12 games in 2018 but was placed back on the commissioner’s exempt list after violating the terms of his reinstatement.
Gordon’s suspensions stem from addiction and substance abuse issues, but the league and the Patriots have made it clear that they are trying to help Gordon to overcome those problems and get back to the field. Reports have indicated that he may be back with the Patriots as soon as training camp.
The Patriots traded for Gordon in Week 3 last season, and he finished with 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. In restricted free agency, New England placed an original-round tender on Gordon.
