Josh Gordon vs. Mecole Hardman: Can Gordon Become Kansas City's No. 2 Receiver?

It’s officially football season because we have finally reached the point in the year where Josh Gordon inevitably gets reinstated to play and is signed by another contender looking to boost its offense. 

Gordon has bounced in and out of the NFL the past few seasons, but he will now sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, the 1-2 Kansas City Chiefs I might add, as they look to bolster their depth behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in the passing game. 

Kansas City lost Sammy Watkins to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency this offseason, and it had been rumored to be in on JuJu Smith-Schuster before he re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Gordon hasn’t played an NFL snap since 2019, but he was an elite receiver earlier in his career when he was able to stay on the field. The problem is those stretches are usually few and far between. 

Back in 2018, Gordon played in 11 games for the New England Patriots making 48 catches for 720 yards and three touchdowns. He’s never come close to his 1,646-yard season in 2013, but that’s mainly because of his constant suspension for substance abuse. 

Hardman, on the other hand, has been the de-facto No. 2 receiver for Kansas City this season. Playing opposite of Tyreek Hill usually has its perks, but Hardman has struggled to get in much of a rhythm in 2021. 

The 2019 second-round pick has made just 11 catches through three games (on 15 targets) for 107 yards and a touchdown. There certainly is room for an upgrade, and Gordon will at least push Hardman to improve his play this season. 

Gordon’s role is far from defined just yet, and he will need to get to know the Kansas City playbook before he is a viable option in any props. However, with the Chiefs Super Bowl odds falling to +700 at WynnBET after Sunday’s loss, Gordon may be exactly what Patrick Mahomes needs to turn things around and reclaim the spot as the favorite in the NFL. 

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