Josh Gordon - Pro Football Rumors

Brian Hoyer On Browns Offseason

February 7th, 2015 at 3:17pm CST by Rob DiRe

Free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer is set up to have a very interesting offseason. The Browns enjoyed most of their success in 2014 with Hoyer at the helm, but he struggled down the stretch and hurt his value with some bad performances.

Given Johnny Manziel‘s struggles both on and off the field, the team is interested in bringing back Hoyer for 2015. Hoyer may have other suitors however, and is not a lock to return to Cleveland.

Hoyer spoke out about some different parts of the offseason at the Great Big Home and Garden Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, and a few local writers were able to share his thoughts. All links on Hoyer’s interview are via Twitter, or from previous PFR posts.

On offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan being unhappy with the team, Hoyer said, “To say I was unaware, I’d be lying,” according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also noted how unusual the situation was. “Speaks for itself,” said Hoyer, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. “You don’t just leave a job to leave.”
On Josh Gordon‘s most recent suspension, Hoyer said “It’s disappointing it’s gotten to this point. Hopefully he can figure it out,” writes Cabot.
Hoyer admitted that he wasn’t aware of the severity Manziel’s personal problems, according to Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald. Hoyer said “It takes a big person to take those steps. I’m hoping for the best for him,” according to McManamon.
On whether he would get the chance to start for a team in 2015, Hoyer said “Yeah, no doubt,” according to Cabot.
With free agency still a month away, Hoyer notes that it is early to think about where he will end up, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. On the chances of returning to the Browns in 2015, Hoyer said “All options are on the table,” per Cabot. Whether Hoyer signs with the Browns or not, McManamon writes that the team will hold a special place in the QB’s heart. “For me all options are on the table, and obviously Cleveland has a big place in my heart,” Hoyer said. “My heart is here. Regardless of whether I’m here or not, I want to see the Cleveland Browns to do well.”
Grossi also noted that Hoyer is interested in finding out what happened with the Browns and “Textgate,” and passes along Hoyer’s thoughts on his relationship with quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.

Josh Gordon Suspended For At Least One Year

February 3rd, 2015 at 5:42pm CST by Dallas Robinson

FEBRUARY 3RD, 5:42pm: Browns GM Ray Farmer released a statement regarding Gordon.

“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh,” Farmer said, according to ESPN.com. “Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the Nation Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.”

5:05pm: The NFL announced that it has officially suspended Gordon without pay for at least one year, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal (on Twitter).

JANUARY 25TH: 3:50pm: Due to his suspension, Gordon will be under contract with the Browns through the 2016 season, at which point he will only become a restricted free agent, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

2:50pm: Browns receiver Josh Gordon has failed another substance abuse test and will be subject to a one-year suspension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). Unlike his past bans, which were marijuana-related, Gordon reportedly tested positive for alcohol, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (on Twitter). Gordon will presumably miss the entire 2015 season.

Gordon will be able to appeal the decision, but given his history of transgressions, it seems unlikely that the league will reverse course. Indeed, a source tells Florio (via Twitter) that a successful appeal is improbable, and that the one-year ban is a “done deal.” An NFL player being suspended, or even being tested for, alcohol use, seems odd on its face, but Florio tweets that Gordon was being screened for alcohol due to his DUI arrest last year. The NFL’s drug policy is clear on the issue: “Alcohol is prohibited only if a player’s treatment plan explicitly prohibits alcohol,” according to the agreement, which lists more than .06 grams per deciliter as a failed test, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).

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 arose again, 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.

This latest development could be the final nail in the coffin for Gordon’s tenure in Cleveland. Trade rumors have surrounded the 23-year-old dating back to the 2012 season, as Browns coaches and management were reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with his actions. A trade is almost inconceivable now, as no club would part with draft pick compensation to acquire a player who will miss the entirety of the upcoming season. But a release seems like very real possibility, especially if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who reportedly blocked a Gordon-to-San Francisco trade, is fed up with his receiver’s struggles.

Gordon was set to count $1.68MM against Cleveland’s cap in 2015. About $565K of that total was due to signing bonus proration, money that the Browns could look to recoup following this suspension. Additionally, Gordon’s contract will now toll for another season, making it unclear when he’ll be a free agent. Because he wasn’t active for six games in 2014, there was speculation that he did not accrue a season towards free agency. Gordon and his representatives had planned to appeal that decision or take legal action, but that point now appears moot, at least for the time being.

For the Browns, this latest development will mean ever more fluctuation for an offense that lost its coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, to Atlanta following reports of friction between the coaching staff and the front office. Not only will Gordon be absent more the 2015 season, but the club’s other offensive playmaker, tight end Jordan Cameron, is a pending free agent, so it’s possible he won’t return. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is also an FA, while Johnny Manziel, last year’s first-round pick, didn’t show much in his limited playing time. It’s fair to wonder if Cleveland will select a receiver in the draft, or perhaps target someone like Randall Cobb or Jeremy Maclin in free agency.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Sunday Roundup: Wilson, Manning, AFC North

February 1st, 2015 at 12:40pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league on this Super Bowl Sunday:

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, negotiations on a long-term extension for Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will begin “as soon as the Super Bowl ends.” As we have been hearing, Wilson is expected to become the highest-paid player in NFL history, with Aaron Rodgers‘ $22MM average annual salary serving as the starting point for negotiations with Wilson. Rapoport adds that everything Seattle has done this year, including its dealings with Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril, and K.J. Wright, was done with a Wilson deal in mind (Twitter link to NFL Media PR).
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to play in 2015, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen writes that official confirmation could come from Manning this week.
Falcons star receiver Julio Jones is under contract through 2015, but an extension for Jones will be put on hold until incoming head coach Dan Quinn has had time to fully assess the roster, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Those sentiments come from team owner Arthur Blank, which suggests that Quinn will have a great deal of input into roster decisions and creates more questions about the role of GM Thomas Dimitroff.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette examines the state of the Steelers‘ secondary, which looks to be a major area of concern heading into the offseason.
Ravens running back Justin Forsett spoke with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk about a number of topics, including his impending free agency. The tailback made it known once again that he’d like to stay in purple and black. “I would like to stay in Baltimore, but it is a business and I’m looking for a commitment. However that comes, I just want to be able to take care of my family,” the veteran said. Florio also asked Forsett about the possibility of following former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to Denver. Forsett was complimentary of Kubiak but downplayed the likelihood of a reunion, noting that the Broncos have multiple tailbacks under contract, including C.J. Anderson. However, as Florio rightly noted, none of the Denver backs amassed 1,266 yards on the ground in 2014 like Forsett did.
There is a mechanism in the collective bargaining agreement by which the Browns could seek to recover a pro-rated portion of Gordon’s signing bonus because of games missed due to suspensions, as Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com writes. That pro-rated portion for 2015 is just over $564K, however, so it’s not clear if Cleveland will pursue that process.

Zach Links contributed to this post

AFC Notes: Tucker, Gordon, D. Thomas

January 29th, 2015 at 5:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is eligible for restricted free agency for the first time this winter, but will be restricted rather than unrestricted, meaning a one-year deal is possible. Still, if it were up to him, Tucker wouldn’t mind signing a long-term deal to stay in Baltimore, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

“I think when you take a step back and look at it from the big picture and think long-term, that would just be great to know what’s going to go on for the next several years as opposed to the next few months or next year,” Tucker said. “When you think about it from a general perspective, it feels and sounds great for me personally. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Baltimore and would to continue it. I think it’s just a matter of everybody getting something together and discussing it.”

Here are a few more Thursday updates from all over the AFC:

In an open letter published on The Cauldron, Browns wideout Josh Gordon addresses Charles Barkley, Stephen A. Smith, Cris Carter, and other media members and fans who have criticized him for his problems with substance abuse, explaining his side of the story. Gordon’s account provides an interesting perspective, and is a reminder that, at age 23, he shouldn’t be written off as an NFL player. Still, he has vowed in the past to make better decisions, so he’ll have to actually make good on those promises this time around.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio (audio link), Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas said he hadn’t talked to the team about a new contract since before the season started, and is letting his agent handle any discussions at this point. Thomas added that he plans to “go about his business” whether he returns to Denver or ultimately lands with another club.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis explained today on ESPN’s NFL Insiders that team owner Mike Brown sees defensive backs coach Vance Joseph as a rising star, which is why the club was unwilling to let Joseph take the Broncos‘ defensive coordinator job. Coley Harvey of ESPN.com has the details and quotes from Lewis, who said Joseph “could be sitting in my chair very quickly.”
Ndamukong Suh’s name should be atop the Colts‘ winter wish list as the team prepares to enter the offseason armed with a ton of cap room, writes Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. Meanwhile, Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck says Suh seems like a player that would fit in well in Oakland, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press details.

Fallout From Josh Gordon Suspension

January 25th, 2015 at 9:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

Earlier today we heard that Browns superstar wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for the 2015 season after testing positive for alcohol.

Here are a few additional notes surrounding the story:

It has been widely reported, but the Browns have not yet been notified of the suspension for Gordon, writes Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk. The team has released a statement. “At this point, due to the confidential nature of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, we have not been made aware by the league of a failed test,” the Browns wrote in the statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will provide further comment at the appropriate time.”
It may seem unusual for Gordon to be suspended or even tested for alcohol, but because of his DUI he has restrictions on alcohol as well as drugs, writes Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport writes that the drug policy is strict and clearly spelled out, and it is unlikely Gordon would be able to get around this suspension.
Albert Breer of NFL.com notes that the positive test did not occur during the season, meaning the test must have happened after the team’s final game on December 28th (via Twitter).
Ironically, Dan Mori of Bleacher Report recently wrote a column urging 49ers general manager Trent Baalke to make a move to acquire Gordon this offseason. The team famously had a deal in place to trade for Gordon last offseason, only to have the the Browns ownership back out at the last minute.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the team has screwed up with Gordon at every step. Florio notes the warning signs before taking him in the supplemental draft, and the subsequent suspensions confirmed the concerns. Florio notes that the team had the chance to trade Gordon, and also had chances to draft other receivers since they became more aware of Gordon’s troubles.
Another troubled receiver that has dealt with suspensions currently has a better future, as former Jaguars’ first-round pick Justin Blackmon should be back on the field next season. NFL people are optimistic about Blackmon’s progress, and believe he will back in 2015, writes Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

North Notes: Hoyer, Gordon, Lions

January 25th, 2015 at 8:48am CST by Rory Parks

After hearing last night that the Browns would be interested in bringing back Brian Hoyer, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com delves into the never-ending Hoyer-Johnny Manziel saga once again. Specifically, Grossi notes that one of the most overlooked aspects of that conversation is the fact that Hoyer was returning from his first major injury and surgery in 2014. and that it is therefore reasonable to expect a natural uptick in his performance in 2015. Grossi also notes that, if Cleveland does bring Hoyer back, it is unlikely the team would sign another veteran quarterback like Josh McCown, but someone like Mike Glennon may be an option if Manziel does not return.

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the team’s north divisions:

The issues concerning Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon often take a backseat to the team’s quarterback drama, but Grossi points out in the piece linked above that the Browns are taking the position that Gordon was active for only five games during the year and therefore fell one game short of qualifying for a credited season towards free agency. If Cleveland is right, and if Gordon does not prevail in a potential grievance protesting the suspension, Gordon will be under contract for 2015 and will be a restricted free agent in 2016.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes that, even though Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles was healthy for the first time in his career in 2014, he appeared in just five games and is likely down to his last chance in Detroit.
Kyle Meinke of the Detroit Free Press looks at the Lions‘ options for upgrading their offensive line in free agency, pointing out that the team is unlikely to have enough cap space to sign the top linemen on the market, but a solid second-tier option like guard Orlando Franklin or tackle Michael Roos could be in play.
As they look to address perhaps their biggest position of need, the Ravens met with USC cornerback Josh Shaw during Senior Bowl week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Coley Harvey of ESPN.com writes that tackle Marshall Newhouse is one of the free agents the Bengals will likely let go this offseason.

Morning Notes: Tryouts, Browns, Ravens

January 3rd, 2015 at 8:23am CST by Ben Levine

As the Steelers and Lions prepare for their playoff contests this weekend, both organizations looked to solidify their depth, as the teams brought in players for workouts. Let’s see who was brought in for a tryout…

With star running back Le’Veon Bell out for this evening’s playoff matchup against the Ravens, the Steelers worked out back Roosevelt Nix, according to Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). The team also worked out defensive backs Alden Darby, Isaiah Lewis and Ian Wild.
The Lions had a pair of free agents come in for workouts, according to Wilson (via Twitter): offensive tackle Ben Heenan and defensive back Delvin Breaux.
The Dolphins‘ season may be over, but that doesn’t mean they’re not being active on the free agent front. According to Wilson (on Twitter), the team brought in guard Stetson Burnett for a workout.
The Browns have lifted the suspensions of receiver Josh Gordon and cornerback Justin Gilbert, tweets Wilson.
Wilson estimates that the Ravens could have about $5.785MM in cap space this offseason. That amount includes about $1.4MM that was subtracted following Ray Rice‘s filing of a grievance against the organization.

AFC Links: Rinehart, Bills, DeCosta, Dolphins

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Over the course of a 2014 season in which the Chargers were plagued by injuries – particularly on the offensive line, where the team shuffled through five centers – only one player appeared in every offensive snap. As Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune observes (via Twitter), that player was left guard Chad Rinehart, who triggered a $900K escalator by playing more than 85% of the club’s snaps. Rinehart’s base salary for next season is now $3.15MM, up from $2.25MM, per Gehlken.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

Had Bill Polian come to the Bills, former Chargers GM A.J. Smith would have been considered for a front office job, according to John Clayton of ESPN (via colleague Mike Rodak on Twitter). Meanwhile, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (Twitter link) has an update on a chain of Polian-related front office gossip out of Buffalo.
Addressing his continuing reluctance to interview for any general manager openings, Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta explained his stance: “It’s not [a fear of becoming a GM]. I have a great owner and work with my best friends. What else could you want?” (Twitter link via Jason Cole of Bleacher Report).
Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald examines five issues the Dolphins must address in the offseason. Among the items on Salguero’s checklist: getting a new defensive coordinator and some offensive line help to better protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
As we heard earlier this week, Browns GM Ray Farmer expects Josh Gordon‘s reps to challenge his suspension so that he gets an accrued NFL season in 2014. Pat McManamon of ESPN.com takes a look at where the Gordon situation currently stands.
The Jaguars will be one of the more interesting teams to watch over the next few months, as they head into the winter armed with a ton of cap space and not many of their own free agents to re-sign. Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap previews the club’s offseason.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Browns GM Talks Manziel, Hoyer, Gordon

December 30th, 2014 at 11:03am CST by Luke Adams

Appearing before reporters in Cleveland today, Browns general manager Ray Farmer addressed a number of topics, including the status of quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has been the subject of a number of headlines related to his action on and off the field in recent weeks. According to Farmer, Manziel’s words don’t mean anything — it’s all about action, and the rookie has the opportunity to make changes. Farmer adds that he believes Manziel can develop into a solid NFL starter, and that patience is required (all Twitter links via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal).

Here’s more from Farmer, with all links heading to Ulrich’s Twitter account:

The foundation in Cleveland isn’t perfect, but it’s heading in the right direction, according to Farmer.
Asked about the possibility of releasing Manziel, Justin Gilbert, and Josh Gordon, the GM said he intends to discuss the possibility with the club’s coaches — if it happens, it won’t happen today.
While Manziel will be given an opportunity to compete for the QB job in 2015, the team will try to bring in a signal-caller through free agency, trade, or the draft as well. Farmer didn’t rule out the possibility of using a first-round pick on a quarterback for the second consecutive season, which would be easier to stomach since the Browns had multiple first-rounders in 2014, and will again in 2015.
Farmer acknowledged that Brian Hoyer has some leverage heading into free agency, and will have to make some decisions that will determine whether or not he returns to Cleveland.
The jury’s still out on the quality of the Browns’ first draft under Farmer, according to the GM, who added that the team made a lot of changes to its processes following May’s draft.
Farmer reiterated that owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t make the call to draft Manziel.
Noting that he expects Gordon’s camp to contest his one-game suspension, Farmer said he’s not willing to call the embattled wideout a lost cause. According to Farmer, the Browns will try to help their players, and if those players don’t want the help, then the team will move on.
In spite of Gordon’s uncertain future, Farmer says he doesn’t regret not drafting a wide receiver in May.

Browns Notes: Gordon, Manziel, Gilbert

December 29th, 2014 at 5:09pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says he won’t tolerate bad behavior or poor effort from any of his players, including young stars Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert, or Josh Gordon. “I think this is the ultimate team game, and I think a player who can’t show up for meetings, can’t make practice, can’t make weight lifting, disrespects himself,” said Haslam after the Browns’ 20-10 loss to the Ravens, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. More out of Cleveland..

Browns safety Donte Whitner is all for getting rid of players who can’t comply with team rules, Cabot writes.
For his part, Manziel denies reports that he threw a party last Friday in Cleveland and says he was just out with some friends, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
Brian Hoyer said he hasn’t heard anything from the team about wanting to retain him, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron-Beacon Journal (via Twitter). Meanwhile, coach Mike Pettine says that the quarterback situation is “very much a question mark,” as Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets.
Pettine says that Gordon is now at a crossroads with the team: he wants him to remain with the club but also wants him to be accountable for his actions (via Ulrich on Twitter).
Pettine says that he has a good relationship with Hoyer, but he isn’t sure if the stars will align for a reunion, Ulrich tweets.
The Browns should back up their talk by releasing Manziel and Gordon, Pat McManamon of ESPN.com writes.