5 long-shot candidates for 2016 Comeback Player of the Year

The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year is normally awarded to a player returning from injury, battling personal issues, or simply those experiencing a hiatus from the spotlight.

After injuries plagued the most recent NFL season, there are plenty of traditional candidates to be the league's best comeback story of 2016, like Le'Veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, and Robert Griffin III, but here are a few long shots who could make a surprise splash.

Josh Gordon, Browns

This receiver's name brings up very mixed emotions for Browns fans. The 25-year-old led the NFL in receiving yards back in 2013 and then promptly exited the league due to a string of substance abuse policy violations.

Gordon has played just five NFL games since the 2013 season and has yet to be reinstated to the league, after failing a drug test in March, while also reportedly partying with Johnny Manziel throughout the offseason. There's no guarantee he'll play in 2016, but if he does, he'll be paired with Griffin, his college quarterback, and work in Hue Jackson's historically efficient offense.

The Baylor product showed early in his career that he has elite ability. If he can earn his reinstatement and his team's trust, Gordon could be back at the top of the NFL's receiving list.

Trent Richardson, Ravens

After being drafted third overall in 2012, Richardson had a very respectable rookie season, posting 950 yards and 11 touchdowns, but nothing since. His time with the Indianapolis Colts was far from spectacular and he missed the 2015 season after being released by the Oakland Raiders in training camp.

The former Alabama running back has adjusted his lifestyle since his first few failed seasons and has found an opportunity with the Ravens. Head coach John Harbaugh says he still needs to improve his conditioning, but he still has time to fix that before camp.

Richardson will compete in a crowded backfield for a chance to shine in Baltimore. If he can win that competition, he'll have the benefit of the Ravens' outstanding offensive line to run behind on his quest for an NFL comeback.

Dion Jordan, Dolphins

The third overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft will apply for reinstatement into the NFL on Wednesday after missing the entire 2015 season due to suspension. Jordan was labelled a bust after two underwhelming seasons with the Dolphins and three substance abuse violations in a 22-month span.

Jordan has been working out in San Francisco to get back to football shape and the Dolphins are welcoming his return, provided he's ready to act like a pro. There were plenty of reasons that he was selected with such a high pick and now that Miami's defensive line has been revamped with Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams, the young edge-rusher is in a better situation to use his skills in a potential comeback.

Victor Cruz, Giants

Last year, Cruz entered the season with hope of being the 2015 comeback player of the year, but setbacks to his 2014 calf injury kept him out of the Giants' line up. The 29-year-old will have been out of action for almost two years when the 2016 NFL season kicks off, but impressively, his team's offense has progressed well without him in Ben McAdoo's system.

His original patellar tendon injury is among the most difficult to come back from. If he can get healthy and re-establish his chemistry with Eli Manning, the trademark end-zone salsa dance may be making an appearance on the NFL Honors stage.

Mark Sanchez, Broncos

Sanchez isn't recovering from injury or major personal issues, but he will get a chance to win Denver's starting quarterback competition after two seasons as the designated back up with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 29-year-old quarterback's reputation has taken a continuous beating since his infamous "butt fumble" blooper in 2012, but he has a chance to lead a Super Bowl quality team next season.

Provided he can beat out rookie Paxton Lynch, he will have to have a career season and take the Broncos on a similar ride as last year to earn a comeback award.