The Cleveland Browns have proven they are not afraid to trade away key pieces in order to set up long-term success. Last week the team traded away former No. 3 overall draft pick Trent Richardson in favor of a first-round draft pick in 2014. At the time, Richardson was easily one of the best players on the roster, but the Browns decided draft picks were a better option. The team was met with even more trade rumors surrounding other players leaving head coach Rob Chudzinski to answer some questions.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Browns were considering using wide receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little as trade bait to land Houston Texan's running back Ben Tate. The Browns had reportedly opened the trade doors for both players and had already received a large offer for Gordon and a heavy amount of interest for Little. Sending away even one of the team's top receivers would essentially represent the ultimate tanking move by the Browns.
Gordon returned from suspension on Sunday and made a strong case to stay in Cleveland. Gordon finished the day with 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, acting as a big safety blanket for new starter Brian Hoyer. He was every bit the offensive weapon the Browns had pegged him as and Gordon hopes he gets the chance to stay for the remainder of the year.
"I always want to stay here and be a Cleveland Brown and help this organization as much as possible," Gordon said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "I love the offense, love Norv and coach. I'm learning a lot. From a wide receiver standpoint, it's the best offense to be in, and I can't complain at all. It's a business. So [a trade] can happen at any given time. Whatever decision is made, that's above me."
Chudzinski is going on the defense over the reports that have surfaced. Both CEO Joe Banner and the head coach are denying any rumors that they are trading away Gordon or Little before the Week 8 deadline. Phrases like "no intentions" and "no plans" have been tossed around by Banner and Chudzinski. So for now, it appears both players are safe.
The head coach is also denying the notion that the team is planning on tanking the season after trading Richardson. He held true to that word as the Browns got a crucial victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Hoyer started in place of Brandon Weeden and utilized the talents of Little and Gordon well. Chudzinski had nothing but praise for the way Hoyer played, but would not commit to him as a long-term starter.
