While the Arizona Cardinals offense has been potent in recent weeks, the team has been searching for a dominant outside receiver to push the unit over the edge.

That last missing piece for 2019 could be New England Patriots WR Josh Gordon.

Gordon has been hampered by injuries this season, and he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. However, reports surfaced that Gordon will be fully cleared to play soon. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will release him with an injury settlement.

While it is unknown when Gordon will be healthy enough to return from his injury, it appears to not be too far off. Once the Patriots release him, he will be free to join another team.

When this happens, the Cardinals should seriously consider him. He’s an extraordinarily talented receiver who has seemingly overcome the substance abuse problems that resulted in his being suspended for a few years.

There is a catch, however. If Gordon is released after Tuesday’s trade deadline, he will be put on waivers. This would not bode well for the Cardinals’ chances of acquiring him, as they have lost their No. 1 spot on the waiver system. The Cardinals’ recent victories put nearly half the league below them in record rankings. Those teams would get priority in waivers. Still, there’s a chance he gets released before that and becomes a free agent.

For the Cardinals, this could be a low-risk, high-reward scenario. Gordon likely would be a relatively inexpensive signing, and the payout could be huge.

In 11 games with the Patriots last season, Gordon had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns. Kliff Kingsbury’s pass-heavy offense could be very beneficial for both Gordon and the Cardinals. It would also give the team a dynamic outside receiver to pair with the solid unit they already have.

Kingsbury would have Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk and Gordon at his disposal at wide receiver. Pair that with the duo of Chase Edmonds and David Johnson at running back, and the Cardinals could be scoring even more points than they already are. For Gordon, it could be a chance to find a long-term home, which would be great to see after his struggles off the field.

If Gordon is released, you have to think the Cardinals would give him and his agent a call.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Other apps just deliver sports. The USA TODAY Sportswire app lets you pick specific team sites to get only the news that you want to know.

newsletter Get 10 hot stories each day Thanks for signing up.

Please check your email for a confirmation. Thanks for signing up.

Please check your email for a confirmation.