Written by: George Haraktsis, @Blitzalytics
This Saturday, before their game against the New Orleans Saints, the Cleveland Browns informed troubled WR Josh Gordon that he would be released this upcoming Monday. There is a chance that Gordon is traded before then. It is reported that teams are already contacting the Browns about a potential trade offer for the WR. A similar situation occurred early this off-season when the Browns announced they would cut CB Jason McCourty, but the Patriots swooped in before they could do so and traded for the DB.
Josh Gordon spent six off and on seasons with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft. Gordon declared for the Supplemental Draft after being suspended by Baylor head coach Art Briles for marijuana possession.
Gordon’s career is highlighted by a 2013 campaign that saw him catch 87 balls for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. But his troubled past followed him into the NFL where he was essentially suspended three seasons for a litany of NFL substance abuse violations and DUIs. He spent part of 2016 in a rehab facility and just joined the team last year after being activated off of the Commissioners exempt list this past November.
Browns’ GM Jon Dorsey had this to say about Gordons release:
“This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday," Browns general manager John Dorsey said. "For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we’ve reached a point where we feel it’s best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well.”
Gordon had one catch for 17 yards and 1 touchdown this season. Gordon supposedly showed up late to practice this Saturday and was reportedly “Not himself”. There was concern that this might be a relapse with substance abuse. More news is sure to come.