The Browns are expected to move Josh Gordon from the “did not report” list to the non-football injury (NFI list) by Tuesday, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The move will prevent Gordon from losing an accrued season toward free agency while he’s tending to his health. 
The good news here is that Gordon is reportedly getting closer to making his return. There’s no timetable for Gordon to come back, but teammate Rashard Higgins is optimistic after speaking with Gordon recently.
“We were texting [Friday]. He’s in good spirits,” Higgins said. “We don’t talk about anything about the field or anything. We just talk about, ‘Hey, what’s up bro? How you doing?’ We’re not too concerned. We know Josh is handling his business off the field. When he comes back, he’ll be ready to go.”
In theory, the Browns could have prevented Gordon from becoming a restricted free agent until after the 2019 season (at the earliest) and from being eligible for unrestricted free agency until after the 2020 campaign. By taking this measure, the Browns will leave the door open for Gordon to be an RFA next March.
Gordon would have taken his first trip through free agency by now if not for his past troubles. As a selection in the 2012 supplemental draft, Gordon should have hit the open market after the 2015 season after completing his four-year rookie contract. Although he missed out on some serious cash, he could be able to take advantage of the booming wide receiver market down the line if he stays clean.
Seems like a nice goodwill gesture
Yawn…..