With the coaching staff falling into place, roster evaluation will begin for the Cleveland Browns. The biggest looming question is the future of the quarterback position and whether or not Johnny Manziel and even Josh McCown are a part of that picture in 2016. However, Josh Gordon has now re-entered the picture of the Browns which makes things slightly more complicated. If granted a return to the league, will Gordon's return push out Travis Benjamin?
Gordon made headlines on Wednesday when it was reported by ESPN.com that the receiver has asked the NFL to reinstate him back into the league after being banned for multiple violations of the substance abuse policy. In order for Gordon to be allowed back into the NFL, he will have to demonstrate that he sustained abstinence during his suspension. Should Gordon be reinstated back into the league, he is a big looming question market for the Browns and head coach Hue Jackson.
There is no question that Gordon is a talent on the field. He led the league in receiving in 2013 with 1,646 yards while only playing in 14 games. However, there is no guarantee that he can stay out of trouble and the Browns are trying to steer clear of off-the-field drama. Jackson made sure to remain very noncommittal on everything with Gordon.
"What I'm anxious to do is evaluate him just like we're going to evaluate every player on our roster and see if they are the right fit for the Cleveland Browns," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "That's what we have to do with every player, whether that's Josh Gordon to whoever the last guy is on the roster."
The Browns will have to make a decision considering their best receiver from 2015 is becoming a free agent this year. Benjamin was the best the Browns had in terms of a downfield threat. He made it clear at the end of the season that he would like to return to Cleveland, but he will not come cheap. After already extending Gary Barnidge, bringing back Benjamin should be a no-brainer for the Browns. He has been a model teammate and should be the favored option over Gordon.
Jackson was noncommittal on a lot of things in terms of the Cleveland roster. Johnny Manziel is expected to be released after ESPN reported that Jackson wanted to move on from the quarterback. With the No.2 pick in the NFL Draft, the Browns can easily replace him with Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch or Carson Wentz while using McCown as their backup or stop-gap starter. All that Jackson would say is that the Browns need a quarterback. At the moment it appears Manziel is not that guy.
"If there is a quarterback there at pick No. 2 or pick No. 32 that we feel is the best option, the best fit for our organization, for our football team, then we need to go get him,'' Jackson said, via Cleveland.com. "I do believe that this team does need a quarterback.''