KC Chiefs: Three offensive players whose jobs are at risk
By Jacob Milham
WR Josh Gordon
Wide receiver Josh Gordon’s targets and snaps could be taken by a younger player, and so can his roster spot.
Gordon was seemingly a mid-season savior for the Chiefs’ bleak receiving corps, desperately needing a WR2 behind Hill. Ultimately, between Reid’s unforgiving scheme to unfamiliar receivers and Gordon’s rust, he never caught fire for Kansas City. He had 14 targets and five receptions in 12 games, scoring his first touchdown since 2019. Gordon eight years ago would have catapulted Kansas City to new heights, but he never produced in 2021.
The Cheifs re-signed him following 2021, signaling the team’s faith in his 2022 production. However, the team has added several younger receivers since then via the draft and free agency. Gordon is now 31 years old, with his best years lost to league suspensions. Should, or will, the Chiefs really stunt other receivers’ development for a fraction of the Gordon fans want?
Gordon will likely see a reduced role in 2022, being a situational jump-ball receiver in the red zone. That accounts for very few snaps and even fewer targets. If Gordon makes the final 53-man roster after the preseason, don’t expect his production to be considerable.