Josh Gordon is waiting to find out his future with the Cleveland Browns. On the field, he is easily one of the best wide receivers in the league. Off the field, he is turning into a giant headache. Gordon has been facing a year-long suspension since the NFL Draft and he is not helping his case with a recent speeding issue. The 23-year-old has already been suspended once, a second would mean missing the entire year. The Browns are entering a crucial season with a new head coach a potential franchise star in the making. Without Brown, what does Cleveland do with their receiving corps?
The Browns are remaining quiet on the potential of Gordon being out the entire year. He continues to show up to practice and intends to do so until he is officially told to stop. Until the NFL makes a ruling, he is the No. 1 receiver on the team and the likely favorite target of either Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer.
"Until we hear from the league, we're going to be business as usual," Pettine said, via USA Today Sports. "At this point, there is nothing to act on. Everyone can sense the frustration, and it's a difficult thing. But until it happens, we have a plan in place for all eventualities but we're still in a holding pattern."
The holding pattern means uncertainty with the wide receiver group. The Browns did not draft a top option. They signed a few undrafted free agents, but passed on players like Mike Evans and Sammy Watkins. They followed that up with the release of Greg Little. They signed Miles Austin and Earl Bennett off the free agent market. Bennett can make an impact, Austin will only be on the field if healthy which is a big if. They are still in need of a top threat and the options are limited.
General manager Ray Farmer notes that a trade is still very much an option and the Browns will search for every available player in the league. Denarius Moore is an option. The Raiders have been very pleased with their young wide receivers so far in OTAs as well as new additions like James Jones and Little. Moore is on an expiring contract with a history of drops. He is the easiest player to move and if Reggie McKenzie can get a draft pick in return for the receiver, he will take it.
Danny Amendola might be an option, although financially the move does not make sense. The Patriots must pay the wide receiver regardless at this point. Offensive coordinator notes that the wide receiver has some proving to do after last year's disappearing act. Younger players like Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins are looking better than ever which could force Amendola out the door.
On the free agent market is just Santonio Holmes. He is really no better than Austin and Bennett. He will come cheaper than Amendola and Moore which could entice the Browns a little. The team will not make a move until a ruling for Gordon is handed down. If he is suspended, the Browns might wait until training camp to see who is released when teams make cuts and then explore a trade.
