Seahawks claim former Patriots WR Josh Gordon off waivers

Here’s a completely unexpected Friday news dump that will certainly raise a few eyebrows.

A day after the New England Patriots waived Josh Gordon off of injured reserve, the Seattle Seahawks have claimed him even though they were 28th in the pecking order.

Update: The Seahawks send LB Dakoda Watson packing only days after signing him.

Gordon caught 20 passes for 287 yards and a touchdown this season before a knee injury placed him on injured reserve. He was traded to New England from the Cleveland Browns in 2018, catching 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games played.

Obviously his injury was clearly not a long-term deal, but New England was ready to move on, and it looks like concerns over his work ethic prompted the team to part ways. Gordon’s personal battles with alcohol and marijuana abuse (including multiple drug test failures) have resulted in numerous suspensions, including one last year when he violated the terms of his conditional reinstatement. The NFL lifted his ban and conditionally reinstated him again prior to the start of this year.

We know that Gordon at his best is an outstanding receiver. His 2013 season saw him become the only receiver in NFL history to record consecutive 200-yard games, as he finished with first-team All-Pro honors.

By the way, Gordon won’t play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but when he does return, he could play a significant role in what is already one of the NFL’s best passing offenses, led by an MVP caliber QB in Russell Wilson.

And he’ll only count about $1 million against the salary cap.