Josh Gordon - Pro Football Rumors

Browns Had Been Shopping Josh Gordon

October 2nd, 2016 at 10:18am CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns had been discussing trades involving wide receiver Josh Gordon as recently as last week, but those talks fizzled once Gordon decided to enter rehab, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Cleveland was hoping to pick up a first- or second-day pick in exchange for Gordon.

Gordon decided to go to rehab following a “slip up,” tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, and sources tell Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that Gordon is dealing with an alcohol addiction. Some of Gordon’s past suspensions have been related to alcohol, and the pass-catcher also has a DUI on his rap sheet, so he decided entering rehab was the “extra step” he needed to get well, per Cabot.

Rival clubs were reportedly inquiring on Gordon over the summer, but the Browns indicated that they had no interest in trading their talented yet troubled wide receiver. However, former Patriots/Browns executive Michael Lombardi disputes that sentiment, tweeting the Cleveland had been shopping Gordon all summer.

The Browns have indicated that they intend to part ways with Gordon given his most recent transgression.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Browns Notes: Gordon, Pryor, Workouts

October 1st, 2016 at 10:29am CST by Ben Levine

Browns head coach Hue Jackson confirmed that the organization has moved on from wideout Josh Gordon. The 25-year-old revealed earlier this week that he’d be putting his career on hold and entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility. It was reported yesterday that the organization was planning on parting ways with the talented receiver.

According to Nate Ulrich of Cleveland.com, Jackson said that he talked to Gordon “several times” about the decision. Otherwise, the coach was more focused on his current, active players.

“I think what we need to do is just close that chapter right now,” Jackson said. “He’s doing what he needs to do, and we need to do what we need to do, which is continue to move forward.

“Obviously, Josh is not here and doing what he thinks he needs to do for his life, which we support 100 percent. And I think after today, today is really the last Josh Gordon comment I want to make about that. I think what’s best for our football team is that we move forward and move on. He’s not going to be with us, and we wish him well. But we’re moving forward. We’re going to move on.”

Let’s check out some notes pertaining to Gordon and the Browns organization…

Receiver Andrew Hawkins had no issues with Gordon’s decision, noting that the player’s well-being is more important than football. “The personal side is more important,” Hawkins told Ulrich. “I love football as much as anybody else and Josh is one of the best talents…But it’s still secondary. Him being a good receiver isn’t going to save his life 20 years from now. Him coming back to help the Cleveland Browns in 2016 isn’t going to help him in 2025 if he’s still dealing with these same issues, so I’m sincere in [saying] what he’s doing is important.”
Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com wonders if NFL teams “understand drug abuse enough to properly assess the risk” of selecting embattled players. The writer focuses on a pair of recent Browns supplemental draft picks: Gordon and Terrelle Pryor. Gordon, a second-round pick in the 2012 supplemental draft, was dismissed from Baylor following failed drug tests. Pryor, a third-round pick in the 2011 supplemental draft, left Ohio State following a memorabilia-selling scandal. Gordon’s future with the franchise appears to be over, while Pryor has been a bright spot for the 0-3 Browns.
Wide receiver Mitch Mathews is worked out for the Browns yesterday, agent Brett Tessler tweets. The BYU product was supposed to work out with Cleveland last week, but the audition had to be rescheduled.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Browns To Part Ways With Josh Gordon

September 30th, 2016 at 1:18pm CST by Zachary Links

It appears that Josh Gordon has played his final snap for the Browns. Cleveland intends to part ways with Gordon after his latest setback has him going back to rehab, according to ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano.

Gordon was set to return to the Browns after sitting out the first four games of this season, but he announced yesterday that he is stepping away from football for the time being in order to enter an in-patient rehab facility. Gordon is one of the most talented receivers in the game today, but he can’t be much use to the Browns if he is not able to take the field. The Browns have been patient with the troubled athlete for a long time, but they say that they feel that they can no longer wait for him to get his act together.

This will be Gordon’s second rehab stint of 2016 as he also reportedly entered rehab during the offseason. It’s possible that Gordon violated the substance abuse policy again and that would result in more discipline from the league office.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Josh Gordon To Enter Rehab

September 29th, 2016 at 9:10pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Browns receiver Josh Gordon announced Thursday that he’s putting his return to the NFL on hold and entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility (Twitter link via the team).

“This is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person,” stated Gordon.

The Browns are supportive of Gordon’s choice, but executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown was unwilling to comment on how this will affect the 25-year-old’s place with the franchise. Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Gordon’s future with the organization is now in doubt (Twitter link).

This will be Gordon’s second stay in rehab of 2016, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Gordon also entered rehab during the offseason, franchise icon Jim Brown told Cabot. Given that he’s going into rehab, Cabot posits that Gordon may have once again violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy. If so, Gordon will face more discipline from the league, thereby putting his career in further jeopardy.

Substance abuse has long been an issue for Gordon, who is currently serving a four-game suspension. Entering this year, suspensions had cost Gordon 29 of the Browns’ previous 48 regular-season games – including all of the 2015 campaign – and the NFL denied his previous petition for reinstatement in April after he failed a drug test. Commissioner Roger Goodell then reinstated Gordon on July 25 with certain conditions. In addition to the quarter-season suspension, Gordon needed to stay on course with his treatment plan if he wanted to return in Week 5. Given Thursday’s development, it’s now possible he’ll never play another down in Cleveland or anywhere else.

“Our concern is with Josh’s well-being. We will decline comment on his status with the team,” the NFL said of Gordon’s decision to enter rehab (Twitter link via Rapoport).

When Gordon has been on the field, the ex-Baylor standout has performed like an elite-caliber wideout. In 2013 – his latest extensive action – he racked up 87 receptions, a league-leading 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. The 2012 supplemental second-round pick has totaled 161 catches, a tremendous 17.1 yards per reception and 14 touchdowns in 32 career games.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Josh Gordon Slapped With Arrest Warrant

September 21st, 2016 at 4:26pm CST by Zachary Links

4:26pm: Gordon’s attorneys have issued an update on their client (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com): “Josh Gordon was made aware that he was previously requested to be present in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. He was unaware of this face until 12 p.m. today. Mr. Gordon immediately made himself available to the Court when he was informed that his presence had been previously required. He attended court today and a hearing was held. The matter was continued until November should a further hearing be needed.”

11:55am: Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon could have yet another off-the-field problem. A warrant has been issued for his arrest after he failed to respond to several months worth of subpoenas in a paternity case, as Adam Ferrise of Cleveland.com writes.

An Ohio woman claims that Gordon is the father of her one-year-old daughter. The woman is seeking child support and Gordon has not complied with requests to supply the court with a DNA sample.

Gordon, of course, could potentially return to the Browns after sitting out for the first four games of the season. However, his reinstatement is predicated on his behavior and this latest issue could theoretically delay his return.

In 2013, despite missing the first two games of the season due to a suspension, Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards, finishing with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. Thanks to his off-the-field indiscretions, the 25-year-old played in five games in 2014 and missed the entire 2015 season.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On Browns, Josh Gordon

August 26th, 2016 at 10:11am CST by Zachary Links

Browns executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown says that he’s not interested in trading Josh Gordon, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he won’t trade him for the right price. So, what is that price? The Browns want a second-round pick “and then some” in order to part with the wide receiver in a trade, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (video link).

Garafolo adds that everyone on the Browns roster can be available for the right price, which makes sense considering that the team is going through a rebuilding phase. On Thursday, the Browns found out that Barkevious Mingo – who was on the roster bubble – was worth a fifth-round pick. That probably has Cleveland execs dreaming about what they can score for their more valuable assets.

In terms of pure talent, Gordon has the potential to be one of the league’s very best receivers. However, it’s not a given that a team can keep him on track and on the field. Gordon was granted a conditional reinstatement by Roger Goodell earlier this summer, meaning that he’ll be sidelined for the first four games and can only come back for Week 5 if he stays the course with his treatment plan.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Browns Exec: Not Looking To Move Gordon

August 25th, 2016 at 12:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Multiple teams have reportedly reached out to the Browns with interest in trading for Josh Gordon. However, Browns executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown says that he’s not interested in parting with his star wide receiver.

“We’re not looking to trade Josh,” Brown said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just not going to enter into any of the speculation. I understand what the interest is in Josh. There are literally hundreds of conversations going around the league about players all the time, and if we got into speculating about all the reports, about what could be going on and what conversations could be going on, we’d be here for a much longer time than we have.”

However, Brown did caution that every player has a price. The wide receiver, he says, falls into “the same category every other player does. There’s nothing unique to Josh in that sense.” In short, it sounds like the Browns are opposed to parting with their high-upside weapon, but they won’t rule out accepting a Godfather offer.

Gordon, of course, will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season. If he stays on course with his treatment plan, he will be permitted to return to the team for their October 9th showdown against the Patriots.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

North Notes: Bears, Steelers, Browns, Gordon

August 23rd, 2016 at 8:29pm CST by Zachary Links

Bears guard Kyle Long‘s status for Week 1 is entirely unclear as he deals with a labrum issue, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. While one source tells Biggs that Long is sure to be ready in time for the season opener, another source “isn’t optimistic” on Long’s outlook. Long is universally regarded as Chicago’s best offensive lineman, so if he is absent, the club will have some shuffling to do. For the time being, the Bears have moved free agent signing Ted Larsen from center to right guard, while installing Cornelius Edison at the pivot.

Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:

The Steelers extended linebacker Vince Williams through 2018 earlier today, and that deal could have an impact on veteran defender Lawrence Timmons, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Timmons, 30, is entering the final season of his current contract, and recent reports have indicated that he isn’t close to a long-term extension with Pittsburgh. If the two sides can’t hammer anything out before next spring, the Steelers now have a ready-made replacement in the form of Williams.
Teams are calling the Browns about Josh Gordon‘s availability but, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t want to be traded, as Tony Grossi of ESPN.com writes. “I haven’t heard too much about it,” Gordon said. “Cleveland is my team. That’s where I want to be, everything like that. That’s not even in the ballpark for me. I’m not sure how that works.” Gordon went on to express his gratitude towards owner Jimmy Haslam and coach Hue Jackson and said that he is excited about making his comeback in Cleveland.
Patrick Murray seems to be separating himself in Browns‘ kicking duel, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal tweets. Today, he went 4-for-4 on field goals while Travis Coons went 2-for-3. Coons made 87.5% of his attempts with Cleveland last season, but the Browns’ new regime added Murray on a cheap one-year deal earlier this summer.
As part of its PED investigation, the NFL will interview Steelers linebacker James Harrison on Thursday, not Tuesday the 30th as originally reported.

Teams Inquiring On Josh Gordon

August 23rd, 2016 at 8:20am CST by Zachary Links

Multiple teams have reached out to the Browns to inquire about the availability of wide receiver Josh Gordon, league sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Facebook link). However, a Browns team source tells Schefter that the team is not looking to trade Gordon.

This offseason, the Browns have worked to establish an environment in which Gordon could thrive, and many around league believe Hue Jackson is the right coach to get him back on track. It remains to be seen whether a team will offer up enough to make the Browns interested in parting with Gordon, but Schefter says it is a situation keeping an eye on.

In late July, Gordon was reinstated by the NFL with certain conditions. The wide receiver will be suspended for the first four games of the season and his return will be conditional. If he does not stay on course with his treatment plan, then his return date in October is not guaranteed.

In 2013, despite missing the first two games due to a suspension, Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards, finishing with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. Thanks to his off-the-field issues, the 25-year-old played in five games in 2014 and missed the entire 2015 season. Obviously, the talent is there for Gordon to be one of the league’s very best wide receivers. There is also a chance that he doesn’t stick to his treatment plan, which may allow for another team to talk the Browns into parting with him.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC North Notes: Steelers, Browns, Gordon

July 28th, 2016 at 4:35pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown reported to Steelers training camp Thursday and is both hopeful and confident that the team will address his contract before the regular season, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Brown – who has combined for 375 catches and 31 touchdowns the last three seasons – is woefully underpaid relative to his production (he’s due $14.96MM through 2017), though the Steelers don’t typically negotiate new deals with non-quarterbacks who have more than one year left on their contracts. “It has been the position of the organization and it has always been like that,” general manager Kevin Colbert said last summer in regards to the team’s policy. Based on Schefter’s report, the Steelers might make an exception after Brown tied for the league lead in receptions (136), finished second in yards (1,834) and found the end zone 10 times last season.

More news on Pittsburgh and one of its division rivals:

Speaking of Colbert, the Steelers awarded him an additional role as their vice president Thursday, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Twitter link). Colbert, 59, joined the Steelers as their director of football operations in 2000 and held that position until they promoted him to GM in 2010.
Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown and head coach Hue Jackson addressed the return of newly reinstated receiver Josh Gordon on Thursday (via Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com). “He in earnest wants to make the most of this opportunity, and he knows his situation and so we’re going to get around him, give him that opportunity,” Brown stated regarding Gordon, whom the league suspended for 29 of the Browns’ previous 48 regular-season games – including the entire 2015 campaign – because of substance abuse violations. Gordon will also sit out the first four games of this year. However, the highly talented 25-year-old has a clean slate with Jackson, who’s in his first season with the Browns. “I don’t have a lot of history with Josh that way,” said Jackson. “But his history is preceding him, and I think he knows that and I think the only way to deal with a player in these situations is to kind of hit the restart button for him and he has to go do it.”
The Browns have no plans to cut linebacker Armonty Bryant in the wake of his misdemeanor drug conviction, Brown said Thursday, as Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer tweets. An additional suspension could be coming for him, however. Bryant will already miss the first four games of the season because of a suspension.
In case you missed it, Cleveland defensive tackle Desmond Bryant will officially miss the entire season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

Zach Links contributed to this post.