Josh Gordon - Pro Football Rumors

Josh Gordon Files For Reinstatement

January 20th, 2016 at 8:29am CST by Luke Adams

Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has filed his application for reinstatement from the suspension that sidelined him for the 2015 season, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. It’s not clear exactly when Gordon submitted his application for reinstatement to the league office, but the rules of the process dictate that he’ll have his answer within 60 days, so we should learn his fate for 2016 within the next month or two.

Since his entry into the league in 2012, Gordon’s NFL career has been tumultuous to say the least. He missed the first two games of the 2013 season following a drug suspension, but then went on to lead the NFL in receiving yards, finishing with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.

Hopes were high for the 2014 season, but Gordon’s off-the-field issues resurfaced, as he was first arrested for DUI, and then suspended for one year after again violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He was eventually reinstated after only 10 games as part of the NFL and the players’ union agreeing to a new drug policy, which reduced the sentences for some players-in-limbo. The Browns subsequently suspended Gordon for the final contest of the season after he reportedly violated team rules, and then a failed alcohol test resulted in the wideout’s ban of at least a year last February.

“To be reinstated, a player must demonstrate sustained abstinence,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello explained in an email to Grossi. “In support of their applications, players generally put forward verifiable testing records and/or submit to periodic NFL testing during the banishment period.”

While former Browns head coach Mike Pettine indicated in December that the team would welcome Gordon back with open arms, Pettine is obviously no longer involved in making that decision, and neither is former general manager Ray Farmer. So if Gordon is reinstated, it will be up to a group that includes Hue Jackson, Sashi Brown, and Paul DePodesta to decide whether the 24-year-old remains part of Cleveland’s plans.

Since Gordon’s contract tolled in 2015, his free agency has been postponed by a year — he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency a year from now if he’s on an NFL roster for at least six games in 2016. The team suspension that kept Gordon out of the 2014 regular-season finale cost him the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of his contract, since it limited him to five games in 2014. The NFLPA filed a grievance against the Browns on Gordon’s behalf for that suspension, but there has been no indication that the complaint was – or will be – successful.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

North Notes: Gordon, Mallett, Megatron

December 17th, 2015 at 2:04pm CST by Luke Adams

Browns wideout Josh Gordon will be eligible to apply for reinstatement from his suspension in February, and if Gordon gets the go-ahead from the NFL to return to action, head coach Mike Pettine would welcome him back with open arms, tweets Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Absolutely we would,” Pettine said. “He’s a Cleveland Brown.”

Of course, given the way the Browns have played this season, it’s fair to be skeptical that Pettine will even be around to make that decision in February — it’s possible Cleveland will have hired a new head coach by then.

As we wait to see what the future holds for Pettine and Gordon, let’s check in on a few more items from around the NFL’s North divisions….

The two-year deal Ryan Mallett signed with the Ravens is basically a $1.6MM pact, says Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links). Of course, most of that money will be due next season, and the quarterback’s 2016 salary (about $1.5MM) is non-guaranteed. If Mallett does make the team, he can earn an extra $500K for playing just 1% of Baltimore’s regular snaps, and $1MM if he plays 10% of the snaps, maxing out the year at $2.5MM, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com.
“Lovely” isn’t a word that makes its way into NFL interviews too often, but that was the adjective Calvin Johnson used today to describe the possibility of finishing his career with the Lions, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com details.
Willie Young‘s transition from defensive end to outside linebacker hasn’t always been smooth, but it has gone better than expected, and it looks like Young could have a future with the Bears, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Extra Points: Gailey, Chargers, Steelers, Gordon

December 16th, 2015 at 9:34pm CST by Ben Levine

Chan Gailey had been out of the NFL for two seasons when newly-hired Jets coach Todd Bowles offered him the offensive coordinator gig. At 63-year-olds, Gailey didn’t even hesitate to accept the job. Why didn’t he need time to consider the position?

“There’s one big reason, and it’s a personal reason,” Gailey told ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini. “I want to win a championship.”

After nearly two decades in the league and four Super Bowl appearances (three with the Broncos, one with the Steelers), Gailey had yet to win a championship.

Let’s take a look at some more assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday evening…

In an interesting piece for FOX Sports, Alex Marvez explores why – unlike their offensive and defensive counterparts – special teams coordinators hardly ever receive consideration for NFL head coaching jobs.
Former Chargers safety Jimmy Wilson was the notable name to clear waivers today, tweets Michael Gehlken the San Diego Union-Tribune. The 29-year-old is now free to sign anywhere.
Cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste worked out for the Steelers today, reports ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The 25-year-old was the Saints’ second-round pick in 2014.
Embattled Browns wideout Josh Gordon is eligible to apply for reinstatement on February 3rd, and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports (via Twitter) that the receiver has been doing “outstanding” during his yearlong suspension.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

AFC Notes: Browns, Mariota, Gordon

June 24th, 2015 at 9:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post looked at five big issues facing the Broncos in 2015. Chief among them, he says, is Peyton Manning‘s age. No quarterback has won the Super Bowl at age 39 and only five have played a full season at his age. This season he has a better ground game than before, but it remains to be seen if he can succeed with the schemes of Denver’s new regime. Here’s more from the AFC..

Prior to the draft, there was buzz that the Browns could make a play for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Recently, the No. 2 overall pick, now property of the Titans, confirmed that there was no conversation between him and Cleveland. “There was a lot of scenarios,” Mariota said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. “I never had any contact with the Browns. Um, so, yeah.” Cabot wonders if the Browns will come to regret that.
A Browns official has corresponded with suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon this offseason, according to a source who spoke with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Gordon is serving a one-year suspension for multiple violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but it would seem that Cleveland hasn’t totally washed its hands of him. Despite all his problems, Gordon stands as one of the most naturally talented wide receivers in the NFL. In 2013, Gordon hauled in 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.
Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union took his best stab at predicting the Jaguars‘ initial 53-man roster. At running back, he believes that Corey Grant will edge Storm Johnson, who saw significant playing time in 2014, and NFL notable Bernard Pierce. Ultimately, he feels that Jacksonville won’t keep a fullback, but it also won’t hold on to five tailbacks.

AFC Links: Browns, Broncos, Wilkerson, Pagano

June 14th, 2015 at 7:44pm CST by Ben Levine

While the loss of Josh Gordon will be a huge hit to the Browns‘ receiving corps, rookie Vince Mayle acknowledged to Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal that the team’s wideouts aren’t focused on the loss of their leader.

“It’s just going to be a team effort,” Mayle said. “We’re not really worried about replacing Josh Gordon. We’re focusing on the guys in the room. We’d love to have him, but right now we’re working with what we’ve got. There’s a great group of guys. They all have really good strengths, and they’re all really good to learn from. I’m really happy to be in a room with these guys because they’re all really helpful.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of the AFC…

No team is wasting less money than the Broncos, argues Mike Klis of 9News in Denver. The team has only $1.2MM in dead money (the second-lowest total in the league), and they have only $6.9MM in cap space (the fourth-lowest total in the league). According to Klis, only the Jets approach the Broncos in their “dollar-per-active player allocation,” as New York has $5.28MM in cap room and $3.4MM in dead money.
ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini examines the many outcomes of the Jets/Muhammad Wilkerson situation. The writer ultimately predicts that the defensive lineman with report to training camp, play the 2015 season under his current contract, and be slapped with the franchise tag following the season. Based on the comments made by Wilkerson’s agent (which indicated the his player is “willing to put the team ahead of his own contractual status”), Cimini surmises that the 25-year-old won’t be holding out.
Cimini writes that right guard is a major concern for the Jets, and he believes the organization should be on the phone with representatives for Evan Mathis. The writer suggests a two-year, $6MM deal.
Despite Jim Irsay and the Colts‘ one-year contract offer to head coach Chuck Pagano, ESPN.com’s Mike Wells doesn’t believe the situation will turn into a distraction. If the Colts perform up to expectations, Wells believes Pagano can expect to be paid a “nice lucrative deal” by either the Colts or another franchise.

Extra Points: Gordon, D. Thomas, Vick

June 9th, 2015 at 9:51pm CST by Zachary Links

Agent Drew Rosenhaus tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that he believes Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, suspended for the 2015 season, “still has a very bright future in the NFL.” Pointing to another one of his clients that signed with the Patriots this offseason after a lengthy suspension, Rosenhaus said that Gordon is “just as determined to make it back as Fred [Davis] was.” Here’s more from around the NFL..

The Broncos have been in “win-now” mode for the last couple years, but they need to be conscious about their long-term future when making contract decisions, says Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap, writing for The Sporting News. Fitzgerald’s breakdown of Denver’s cap outlook includes a discussion of Demaryius Thomas, whose contract situation we examined earlier today.
Michael Vick is still looking for work, and has said that he wants to play in the NFL for another three years or so, but he believes he’ll have to wait for a quarterback to suffer an injury in order to get an opportunity, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. As Florio notes, there may be some skepticism around the league that Vick is ready to accept a backup role and to put in the work necessary even when he doesn’t expect to play.
The Chargers have been aware of Malcom Floyd‘s intentions for some time, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweets. The wide receiver said last year he planned to play out his contract and retire, and that remains the plan today. Floyd indicated last week that this could be his final season in the NFL.
Representatives from the Chargers, Rams, and Raiders are in New York to update owners on developments on their respective projects, Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego tweets. The reps from the three teams will meet with owners on Wednesday.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Browns Notes: Manziel, Hoyer, Cameron, Skrine

February 18th, 2015 at 3:11pm CST by Luke Adams

In one of the last media sessions of the day at the combine in Indianapolis, Browns head coach Mike Pettine spoke to reporters this afternoon and addressed a number of topics related to the team’s eventful offseason. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com, and Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle passed along a few of Pettine’s noteworthy quotes, via Twitter, so let’s round up the highlights….

Pettine stressed that the Browns have not given up on Johnny Manziel at all. In fact, the head coach visited Manziel last week at his rehab facility and “let him know we’re proud of him.” Pettine believes the young quarterback will make major strides under new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.
While Pettine and the Browns are optimistic about Manziel’s recovery and his future, they will approach free agency and the draft as if they need to find a new starting quarterback, since there are too many unknowns with last year’s first-round pick.
One possibility for the Browns is Josh McCown, and Pettine confirmed that he’s under consideration, though no meeting or visit has been scheduled yet. The head coach added that the door hasn’t closed on re-signing Brian Hoyer, but that the Browns are weighing all their options.
Asked about the possibility of re-signing tight end Jordan Cameron, Pettine said the possibility has been discussed, but it would have to be for the “right price.”
The Browns are making an effort to re-sign cornerback Buster Skrine.
Discussing the hiring of O’Connell, Pettine said the Browns thought they were doing the right thing by letting him finish his work with Marcus Mariota. Although the team has been said to have interest in Mariota, Cleveland’s new QB coach didn’t teach the Oregon signal-caller the club’s playbook, since he doesn’t know it himself yet, according to Pettine.
Pettine “wasn’t thrilled” about Ray Farmer‘s role in ‘Textgate‘ but still feels good about his relationship with the general manager. As for owner Jimmy Haslam, Pettine disputed the notion that Haslam is meddlesome, or that he involved himself in decisions about draft picks or playing time.
The NFLPA’s grievance on behalf of Josh Gordon contends that the wideout wasn’t notified or fined for being late to meetings before he was suspended for it. However, Pettine said today that he did fine Gordon for his tardies prior to the suspension.

NFLPA Files Grievance Vs. Browns For Gordon Suspension

February 17th, 2015 at 7:30pm CST by Luke Adams

7:30pm: Gordon was notified in writing about his lateness on multiple occasions, a league source tells Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). The NFLPA grievance claims that he wasn’t notified or fined for it.

9:11am: The NFL Players Association has filed a non-injury grievance vs. the Browns, challenging the one-game suspension the team handed out to Josh Gordon at the end of the 2014 season, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The ban, which happened prior to Week 17, came from the team, and is separate from the year-long suspension the wideout later received from the league.

This grievance had been anticipated, since suspending Gordon for the final game of the 2014 campaign ensured that he only played in five games, one short of the six he would require for an accrued season. While the discipline may have been warranted, it looked like it also could have been a ploy by the Browns to push the 23-year-old’s eligibility for unrestricted free agency back by a year.

Regardless of whether or not Gordon’s suspension from the team is upheld by an arbitrator, the wideout’s unrestricted free agency will still be delayed by at least one year due to his more recent ban from the league, since a player doesn’t receive an accrued season when he spends the year on the reserve/suspended list. A player is eligible to be a UFA after four accrued seasons, but if both of Gordon’s suspensions stand, he’ll only have two accrued seasons by 2016, which is when he originally would’ve been set to hit the open market.

Eagles Declined Gordon/Foles Trade In 2013

February 16th, 2015 at 3:53pm CST by Luke Adams

Much has been made of the rumored 2013 trade that would have sent Browns receiver Josh Gordon to the 49ers nearly two years ago — the Niners were reportedly prepared to send Cleveland at least a second-round pick, but owner Jimmy Haslam is believed to have stepped in and shut down trade discussions. It turns out that San Francisco wasn’t the only team with whom the Browns had serious talks about Gordon that year. According to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, the Eagles also spoke to Cleveland in 2013 about a possible Gordon deal.

Sheridan reports that the trade, which was ultimately nixed by the Eagles, would have involved quarterback Nick Foles heading to Cleveland. For context, Foles had won just one of his six career starts for Philadelphia at that point, while Gordon was facing a two-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Both players ended up having outstanding 2013 campaigns, with Gordon leading the league in receiving yards and Foles tossing 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Their 2014 seasons were less successful, however — Gordon missed 10 games due to another suspension, and struggled to fit into the offense upon his return, while Foles had turnover problems in the first half and was eventually sidelined for the year with a broken collarbone.

Even though this isn’t exactly a current trade rumor, it’s still entertaining to imagine what might have been. With Foles under contract, the Browns presumably wouldn’t have Johnny Manziel on their current roster, and might be deciding this winter whether or not to extend Foles. As for Gordon, perhaps he’d still be dealing with the same off-field issues in Philadelphia, but given what we’ve heard about the Browns’ organization within the last few weeks, it’s fair to wonder if a change of scenery – not to mention a spot in Chip Kelly‘s offense – might have significantly altered the young wideout’s course over the last couple years.

Heading into 2015, there’s still some uncertainty surrounding both players, with Gordon facing at least a year-long suspension, and Foles entering the final year of his contract. Of course, Gordon’s NFL future is much more up in the air than Foles’, so if this swap was indeed on the table back in 2013, the Eagles’ front office should be happy it didn’t put the trigger.

Browns Notes: Manziel, Hoyer, Gordon

February 11th, 2015 at 6:11pm CST by Zachary Links

In a chat with reporters earlier today, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that GM Ray Farmer sent text messages to other members of the organization during games this past season, as Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal writes. Still, Haslam remains in Farmer’s corner.

“I think Ray Farmer knows and has [privately] said that he made a mistake in sending those texts,” Haslam said. “Ray feels terrible about it. Ray’s a guy — I’ve known a lot of people — I think he has utmost integrity. And I think it’s important for you all to know that Ray has the organization’s and my full support, and despite the fact that he made a mistake here, it does not affect his standing with the Browns. He is totally focused on doing whatever we’re going to do in free agency and more importantly getting our organization ready for the draft.”

More highlights from Haslam’s chat..

Haslam is glad to see Johnny Manziel entering rehab. “I applaud him for raising his hand and saying I need help,” the owner said. He added that it’s way too early to give up on the polarizing quarterback and the organization “absolutely” believes that he can be a starter in the NFL.
The owner said that he didn’t mandate Manziel going to rehab and has no expectations for when he might rejoin the team.
Some are wondering why the Browns went ahead with drafting Manziel in the face of red flags, but Haslam inferred that the team might not have known everything about his history. “I don’t know how much of Johnny’s personal life was known by everybody then,” Haslam said.
Back in May, former Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains said a text he received from Manziel on the first night of the 2014 draft helped get the ball rolling towards picking him. However, Haslam said that story isn’t accurate and reiterated that Manziel was their top QB on the board.
The Browns are “going to explore every option” when it comes to re-signing quarterback Brian Hoyer, Haslam said.
Haslam wouldn’t rule out possibly trading up to draft a quarterback in the first round. “We’ve said we would do what’s necessary to solve the quarterback situation,” explained the owner.
Haslam expressed disappointment in wide receiver Josh Gordon, saying that he has failed to accept responsibility for his actions. For at least the next year, he says, the franchise has moved on from Gordon.
The Browns will be less involved in free agency than they were last year, according to the owner.
The Browns love restricted free agent free safety Tashaun Gipson, Haslam said. The team is working to keep him.
Despite rumors of heavy fighting within the organization, Haslam says things are going well in Cleveland. He added that it’s a misconception that coaches and executives want out of Cleveland and that the key people like working for the Browns.