The Cleveland Browns have tried to remain upbeat and positive regarding the future of Josh Gordon. The wide receiver is currently awaiting an NFL ruling about his recent failed drug tests and now helping his case in the process. After another arrest with alcohol involved, will the Browns be forced to move on from their leading offensive producer?
Gordon was arrested for a DWI in North Carolina over 4th of July weekend. Technically, the arrest will not impact his pending one-year suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy, but it does not help his standing with the Cleveland Browns. The arrest might not be a bullet point on why Gordon is facing the lengthy suspension, but it also means the league likely will not use any discretion when determining a ruling. However, according to ProFootballTalk, commissioner Roger Goddell could also suspended Gordon on a separate charge for the DWI. Since the wide receiver has no prior DWI arrests, he could just miss one game or pay a fine on that charge.
The Browns released a statement noting they were disappointed in the recent news regarding Gordon. "We are aware of the matter and are disappointed to learn of the situation," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said. "We will comment further at the appropriate time."
That is typical statement to release at this time. Without Gordon, the Browns offense is significantly less impressive and the team likely will aim to make a move should he be suspended or even released from the team. Already in need of wide receivers, the arrest only confirms that Gordon likely will not be on the field come the Fall. So who could the Browns add?
Eyes will immediately shift to the Oakland Raiders who have a crowded grouping of wide receivers after adding James Jones and Greg Little to the roster. The Raiders have been rumored to be exploring trade offers for one of three wide receivers. Rod Streater, Denarius Moore and Andre Holmes have all been mentioned as available especially with improvement coming from Brice Butler and Juron Criner in OTAs. Streater is likely safe considering he led the team last season, but Moore or Holmes could be an ideal fit.
The Browns could also make the big move for Jimmy Graham. While highly unlikely given what they would have to sacrifice for the tight end, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has made the argument noting that the Browns have the cap space and draft picks to make the deal. Cleveland already Jordon Cameron at the tight end spot, but the idea that he and Graham could run tandem is interesting.
The Browns best move is to try and pull a wide receiver from the Oakland Raiders. The trade for Graham certainly sounds nice, but is not going to happen this offseason.
