The Cleveland Browns and Josh Gordon had a disappointing end to the season with the wise receiver being suspended in Week 17 and with his free agent status up in the air, there is a chance that Gordon will not be with the Browns in 2015 and if that happens, teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders could be interested in acquiring him.
Gordon is one of the top young talents in the NFL, but his issues off the field could hold him back from becoming a great player. Gordon was suspended two separate times in 2014 and ended up playing in just five games and that could set up a battle between Gordon and the Browns over his free agent status. According to ESPN.com, Gordon was suspended for Week 17 and that means 2014 will not count as an "accrued" season in his free agent status, as he received only five game checks.
Jeremy Fowler at ESPN.com reports that the suspension for Week 17 could turn Gordon into a restricted free agent this winter, keeping him off the unrestricted market until 2016. ESPN reports that Gordon and his representatives will fight the issue and if they win their grievance, it could make Gordon harder to keep for the Browns. Some have suggested the Browns should cut loose anyway with a trade or the release of Gordon, as he has had multiple issues with drugs and suspensions. Gordon was suspended 10 games to start the season and missed Week 17 after failing to show up to team activities on time.
ESPN reported that a party involving Johnny Manziel contributed to the absence and while the quarterback refuted throwing a party, he did admit to seeing Gordon the night before the team walkthrough. Either way, Gordon's future is up in the air and this comes after he was suspended two games in 2013 but was still able to lead the league in receiving yards. General manager Ray Farmer and owner Jimmy Haslam both said that younger players need to start acting like professionals and ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi thinks that Gordon could be on his way out.
Chronicle-Telegram reporter Scott Petrak agreed with that sentiment, but he writes that the Browns will likely look for a trade over releasing Gordon. The Browns wouldn't be in a terrible position if they get rid of Gordon, as a number of solid options could be available in trades or free agency. Larry Fitzgerald could be on his way out in Arizona, while Mike Wallace and Andre Johnson also could be available. Jeremy Maclin is hitting the market in free agency along with Dez Bryant, but it's extremely unlikely Bryant leaves Dallas.
Gordon had just 24 catches for 303 yards this season and was the first player in decades to lead the league in receiving yards in one year and fail to catch a touchdown pass the next year. Gordon comes in after setting career highs with 87 receptions for 1646 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013 and now his future with the Browns and in the NFL could be up in the air for a little while. Gordon is an electric talent and is as fast as any receiver in the league, but his extra issues could keep him from becoming a great player.