Would the Minnesota Vikings be wise to explore trading a late-round pick for troubled Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon?
Let’s get this out of the way up-front, shall we? The Minnesota Vikings are not looking at trading a late-round pick for Josh Gordon.
Several teams have reportedly contacted the Browns about Gordon’s availability but I can safely state that the Vikings were not among them.
Yes I know there’s a familiarity factor between Gordon and former Cleveland OC Norv Turner. This does not matter.
In no way, shape or form are the Vikings even thinking about pursuing a trade for Gordon. Even if the price reportedly would only be a late-round pick.
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Some would say the Vikings should jump at the chance to acquire Gordon for as little as a late-rounder. Others would argue that Gordon isn’t worth the risk at any price.
Gordon may be incredibly talented but he has run afoul of the NFL drug policy so many times that it makes no sense to even roll the dice.
If Gordon trips up just a little, he’s history and you just tossed away a late-round pick.
On the other hand, if Gordon finally has his head right and is able to stay out of trouble, you have yourself a potential #1 wide receiver to team with Stefon Diggs, Laquon Treadwell and Charles Johnson.
Imagine that receiver corps. You think Teddy Bridgewater would enjoy having that array of targets?
A fun day-dream but of course that will never happen. Not with the Vikings’ emphasis on character.
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Sure, they were willing to take a shot on Mike Wallace last year, but Wallace was a different kind of character risk.
Wallace just had a reputation for being a jerk, he wasn’t in actual danger of being suspended.
And besides, the Vikings last year were much more desperate for receiver help. This year they think they’re pretty set.
So armchair GM, you have to make the call: Even with all the baggage, do you roll the dice and give up a late-round pick for Josh Gordon? Or do you say no thanks?