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Steelers Missed a Golden Opportunity By Not Claiming Josh Gordon

By Chris Ross

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Gordon #10 of the New England Patriots enters the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Gordon #10 of the New England Patriots enters the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to add a very talented receiver to the offense in Josh Gordon but missed a golden opportunity by not claiming him.

After his release from the New England Patriots, Josh Gordon figured to be a hot commodity on the waiver wire. A former Pro-Bowler, Gordon has been one of New England’s better playmakers when he’s on the field, and it was seen as a surprise when the team decided to move on from him. Because he was subject to waivers given the timing of his release, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like a possible landing spot for the talented receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster has had an up-and-down season while the talent behind him is either inexperienced, disappointing or both, making Gordon a natural fit for an offense that could use him. Instead, Pittsburgh decided not even to bother putting a claim in on Gordon, and in the process, losing a golden opportunity to upgrade their boring offense.

To be fair to the Steelers, Gordon is a considerable risk for any team to take on. Everybody knows about his past, including several suspensions for substance abuse, but also troublesome is that the Patriots reportedly released him because of his work ethic, according to Tom Curran of NBC Sports. Throw in the fact that he hasn’t been incredibly productive this season, and it’s clear that Gordon is far from a sure bet to be a valuable player moving forward.

That said, why not take a shot on him? He’s not going to put up another 1600 yard season like he did in 2013, but he can be a useful secondary guy. Smith-Schuster, despite his inconsistencies, is the Steelers clear-cut No. 1 receiver, but behind him, things are shaky.

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Rookie Diontae Johnson has shown flashes of explosiveness but remains a work-in-progress. James Washington, who many thought would break out this season, has struggled to find his place in the Steelers offense. Behind those two used to be veteran Donte Moncrief, but he was released on Saturday, making it even more confusing that the Steelers showed no interest in Gordon. If they were going to release Moncrief, why not take a chance on a more talented receiver? It’s not like he was going to be worse than Moncrief was this season.

It seems the most likely reason for the Pittsburgh Steelers avoidance was his past suspensions and potential unreliability. After plenty of locker room drama over the years, Pittsburgh is attempting to build a robust culture for its young players. That’s not to say that Gordon would ruin that culture, but the team may not have wanted to take that chance on a player with his past. With that in mind, it’s hard not to feel like the Steelers blew a golden opportunity to add a serious upgrade at a position that could use it.

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