5 teams who could take the risk and bring in Josh Gordon
3. San Francisco 49ers
As much as it matters, since the Browns can trade him wherever they please if they can find a suitable deal, Gordon reportedly has the 49ers on his list of teams he’d prefer to land with.
As teams discuss potentially trading for outgoing #Browns WR Josh Gordon, I’m told he’s got his eye on two in particular: The #Cowboys and the #49ers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2018
It’s a different regime now, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reminds us the 49ers nearly swung a trade for Gordon back in 2014. Even with a relatively low cost (running back Kendall Hunter and a second-round pick), especially coming off the kind of season Gordon was in 2013, the benefit of hindsight says Browns owner Jimmy Haslam saved former 49ers general manager Trent Baalke from himself.
I was reminded that the #Browns nearly traded Gordon to the #49ers before the 2014 season in exchange for a 2nd rounder & RB Kendall Hunter. Chud didn’t want to do it, Jimmy Haslam vetoed the deal. 🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/xvqHqozD6E
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2018
In his fairly brief time as 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch has shown a willingness to be aggressive. He apparently asked about Tom Brady’s availability, before ultimately making the deal for Jimmy Garoppolo at last year’s trade deadline.
Heading into Week 2, the 49ers look even thinner at wide receiver as Marquise Goodwin deals with a quad issue. Pierre Garcon, rookie Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor will be their top three wide receivers Sunday against the Lions. If that doesn’t greatly inspire you, its safe to say Lynch is in that boat too.
Even with Goodwin back available at some point, San Francisco could use more talent on the perimeter. With the major investment made in Garoppolo, Gordon could be a risk that’s deemed to be worth taking.