The Cleveland Browns are getting ready to start training camp with more storylines than they originally had hoped. Most eyes are focused on the rise or failure of quarterback Johnny Manziel along with the ongoing drama surrounding wide receiver Josh Gordon. With his future set to be determined in the coming two weeks, Gordon is expected to report to Browns' training camp and will likely remain on the team, but the Browns are prepared to replace him for the season.
Gordon has yet to be punished for failing yet another drug test. He is expected to be suspended for the entire season, but an official ruling will not be made for another week. According to Cleveland.com, Gordon is expected to be at practice while he awaits his discipline and he can also expect to remain on the roster while he serves his sentence. The Browns are reportedly not planning on cutting Gordon despite his ongoing off-the-field issues and remain committed to doing "what's best" for the receiver who led the team last season.
"I think we need to find the middle ground of what's best for Josh and what's best for the organization," head coach Mike Pettine said. "I know Cris Carter came out and said that, but we think you can find that middle ground of what's best for our players and best for the organization. It worked for Cris, but cutting Josh might be the worst thing for him and the worst thing for us."
Two players hopeful that Gordon can play at some point this season are Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Both players are competing for the starting spot despite Pettine remaining adamant that Hoyer will enter camp as the starter. According to ESPN.com, the Browns plan on naming an official starting quarterback by the third preseason game. If either Manziel or Hoyer expect to be successful this upcoming season, they need a receiver like Gordon on field and if a year-long suspension is the result, the Browns must make a trade for someone.
The first team expected to get looks in trade talks is the Oakland Raiders. The team has several quality wide receivers that could be up for grabs after the team signed a few free agents. Receivers like Andre Holmes or Denarius Moore might be the targets. There is of course the off chance that the Browns make a move for Andre Johnson. The Houston Texans wide receiver has already spoken out saying he was unhappy being on the Texans. Could he be happy in Cleveland? The team could also look to the Miami Dolphins in Brandon Gibson or Brian Hartline who are both reportedly on the line as well.