Josh Gordon's future with the Cleveland Browns is likely over. The wide receiver has had too many missteps in what could have been an extremely promising career and his latest issue could be what breaks the ice for the franchise. After dealing with a two-game suspension in 2013 and a 10-game suspension in 2014, his latest ban will likely have him released and the Browns moving on to other options.
The Cleveland Browns announced on Sunday that Gordon had failed another drug test and will now face a one-year ban from the NFL as a result. A team spokesperson for the Browns released a statement saying that at this point the details of the failed test will not be revealed and the team is gathering more information before determining their next step.
Most NFL sources believe that in order to make a statement about discipline, the Browns must cut ties with Gordon altogether. Head coach Mike Pettine already admitted the wide receiver was at a cross road with the team and this test does not help his case. If Gordon is released, how do the Browns replace him?
In 2014, Cleveland benefitted from overachieving receivers while not having a true No. 1 target. Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin emerged on the depth chart to lead the team. However, Austin is a free agent in the upcoming offseason which could leave Cleveland even more short-handed. All that will be left is Taylor Gabriel and Hawkins, both playing in the slot position.
The Browns' biggest mistake could be passing up on a historically good wide receivers draft in 2014. The Browns had multiple picks to work with, but passed up on everyone from Odell Beckham Jr to Sammy Watkins to Jarvis Landry. This year's class has Amari Cooper and a few speedsters meaning the Browns will have to be aggressive in free agency. Not having their quarterback issue solved could hurt recruiting big names, but the Browns have money to spend to make it work.
According to ESPN.com, the Browns should be open to anyone. Demaryius Thomas, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith and Michael Crabtree are all available and looking to get paid. If they wanted to make a trade, Mike Wallace and Larry Fitzgerald are expected to be available. In order for Brian Hoyer, Johnny Manziel or another quarterback to be successful, the Browns must move past Gordon and sign the best available option.