Although the Browns had planned to move wide receiver Josh Gordon from the did not report list to the non-football injury list in order to preserve his 2019 free agent status, a closer inspection of league rules revealed Cleveland didn’t need make any sort of Gordon-related transaction, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Based on a general reading of the rule, Gordon’s contract should have tolled this week because he didn’t report to the Browns 30 days prior to the start of the regular season. In order to prevent that mechanism, Cleveland was set to transfer him to the NFI list in something of a goodwill gesture.
However, the NFL’s rule regarding the NFI list contains an exception for players who have not reported due to “hardship or illness,” per Rapoport. Therefore, Gordon will accrue a season toward free agency regardless of when he shows up.
Because of various league-imposed suspensions, Gordon is still only on schedule to become a restricted free agent following the 2018 campaign (despite the fact that he originally entered the league in 2012). Cleveland will have the option to tender him as a RFA next spring, either at the first-, second-, or original-round level.
The Browns have been vague about the schedule for Gordon’s return, but fellow Cleveland wideout Rashard Higgins says Gordon is in “good spirits.” Gordon, who has dealt with alcohol and drug problems in the past, is reportedly working through mental health issues.
Say what you will about Gordon, but this is a classy move by the Browns. This is Cleveland hoping this gesture inspires Gordon to get everything he needs to right. You could interpret this as Cleveland just wanting to get out from Gordon sooner, but if they really didn’t want him they would’ve cut him already.
makes it a bit easier to be “classy” when the player is an absolute stud when they actually play
Whatever…..
cannot cut him in rehab
cannot pee test him in rehab