Josh Gordon has officially learned his fate after failing a league-issued substance abuse test for alcohol. This is another blemish on the wide receiver's resume after he served a two-game suspension in 2013 and a 10-game suspension in 2014 for the same issue. Now, the wide receiver will be suspended once again for the entire 2015 season which means the Cleveland Browns will likely move on from the wide receiver.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gordon is out for the entire season while a release from the Browns is expected. This is Gordon's third suspension in the league and while he is a total threat on the field, he is barely there and the Browns sound fed up with his antics. Head coach Mike Pettine made it clear that Gordon was at a crossroad with the team and this issue likely pushed him the wrong way.
"As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh," Farmer said in a team released statement via 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 National Football League."
Technically there is not harm in keeping Gordon on the roster. The wide receiver was scheduled to make $1.07 million in 2015, but now since the suspension he will not count against the salary cap. The Browns do not have to rush to any decision regarding the wide receiver who put up 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013. Cleveland will have to replace him, but can try and hold out some faith that the receiver changes his ways for the better.
The Browns would be wise to get aggressive in acquiring a big name. With the chance that Jordan Cameron does not return, Cleveland is at risk of being without their two biggest offensive targets. Add the Johnny Manziel drama into the equation and the team needs a big name to stabilize the offense.
The Browns could try to sneak in and grab a player like Dez Bryant or Jeremy Maclin. That is wishful thinking since both of the wide receivers are expected to return to their respective teams. They could sign a slightly smaller name in Torrey Smith or Michael Crabtree. The Browns could also move in on a trade for either Larry Fitzgerald or Mike Wallace. Josh Gordon's suspension might not mean he gets released, but the Browns must move on from him and replace his production in order to be successful.