Josh Gordon is not doing himself any favors in his NFL career. Currently facing a season-long suspension for drug use, the wide receiver then had an issue with speeding and now his work ethic is being questioned. There is no doubting the talent that Gordon possess as he is a huge asset for the Cleveland Browns, but his recent history of events could mean the team attempts to trade him sooner rather than later.
Gordon is participating in Cleveland's organized team activities while he awaits a ruling from the NFL. However, head coach Mike Pettine is not pleased with what he has seen so far from the team's leading receiver. Gordon had a breakout season last year, but is not coming back with the same hustle as before.
"It is something we've talked about and from what I understand he's made some improvement, but it is a work in progress," Pettine said, per The Plain Dealer. "I'm a big believer in quality of reps versus quantity of reps. If I'm a player and I know that I'm going to be out there for 40 full-speed team snaps I may have a tendency to pace myself. There still needs to be improvement there but we're aware of it."
Pettine admits that he is very frustrated not knowing the future of Gordon pending the suspension. The new head coach is already dealing with a high amount of media due to the quarterback competition between Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Now he must deal with whether or not his leading receiver will be on the field or not.
"There's certainly a level of frustration because we've known the news for so long," Pettine said. "It's just a holding pattern and I understand that the league has a process that they have to go through and there's other things that they're dealing with and we respect that. But at the same time it is difficult because it really will affect our preparation for the season. ... We're prepared for all of the eventualities, but the waiting is difficult."
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns will have a hard time trading Gordon if that is what they opt to do. Most NFL sources believe the Browns might not even be able to get a draft pick in exchange for the receiver. Gordon has one strong season to his name and twice as much baggage. The only teams that might be willing to take on the receiver are the Oakland Raiders or the New York Jets who both are in need of another wide receiver. However, until the NFL makes a ruling on the wide receiver, no one will take a second glance on him.
