The McCourty twins seem pretty excited about Josh Gordon

AP Photo
Wide receiver, Josh Gordon, has had some off-field troubles in the past, but the New England Patriots are giving him a new football life – as the team made a trade for him on Monday.

Not only is the organization giving him another chance, but a former teammate of Gordon’s, Jason McCourty, strongly believes he has the potential to do well in New England. Gordon and McCourty played together last season for the Cleveland Browns.

McCourty spoke highly of the newly acquired wide receiver on Monday night’s episode of Quick Slants on NBC Sports Boston.

“One of the most talented receivers I’ve played against,” he said. “I remember last year, the first week he was back (after being reinstated by the NFL in November), he couldn’t play in the game (but was allowed to practice). We were playing Cincinnati, so he got the honor of being A.J. Green in practice and I was matched up with A.J. that week so I covered (Gordon) in practice."

“I remember sending (Devin McCourty) a few clips saying, ‘This dude can still play.’ If he gets everything on track, he can be one of the best receivers in our game.”

As for Gordon’s off-field issues, McCourty saw another side of him last year in Cleveland.

“When I was there last year, he was there on time, he was working hard, it really seemed like he wanted to get back in it and do things the right way,” he said. “Hopefully he’ll come in here with the same attitude and same approach coming into our locker room.”

Jason’s twin brother Devin also had good things to say about their new team member.

“We played against him in ’13,” Devin added. “The guy’s a great talent. A playmaker on the field. I’m excited. Anytime we get a good football player, you want to try to get him on the same page, get him up to speed in the playbook and see how it works out.”

Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan