On the field, Josh Gordon is the best player the Cleveland Browns have on the roster. He proved that last season. However, off the field, he is becoming one headache after another. Currently facing a potential year-long suspension, the Browns must decide the appropriate actions to take regarding their leading receiver. While remaining positive over the situation, could a trade be in the works before training camp?
Former Browns CEO Joe Banner said he would have done it a long time ago. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Banner wanted to trade Gordon after his first suspension for drug use. However, Cleveland opted not to make the move after the quick trade of Trent Richardson. The best offer they received was a second-round draft pick and a player, so the Browns decided to keep the wide receiver. Gordon repaid them by leading the team in receiving and being the lone bright spot on a totally dismal season.
Now looking at another suspension for drug use which was announced prior to his other speeding-related issue, could the Browns attempt to move Gordon again? There are plenty of teams looking to be active in the wide receiver market as cuts begin to happen. Certainly Gordon would be the best if he became available. However, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, the Browns might not even be able to get a late-round draft pick in exchange for the wide receiver. Despite his talent, no team wants to take on a head case. Gordon has one good season to his name and a handful of issues, a trade will likely not come the team's way.
The Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have all been linked to adding a wide receiver before training camp begins. However, Gordon comes with too much baggage to make it worth it. The Browns still need to fill his shoes should he be out for the year. The team can still attempt to make trades for players like Denarius Moore or Andre Johnson. They could also sign someone like Jermichael Finley or Santonio Holmes off the free agent market.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam continues to say that he believes Gordon can have a bright future in Cleveland, but how much longer can he live by that statement.
"Josh is learning and growing and improving as a person," Haslam said, per The Plain Dealer. "He's learning how to work hard. He's learning how to be a professional. Josh is a smart young man. All of us have made mistakes when we were that age. We're counting on Josh being a good football player for the Browns for a long time to come."
