Josh Gordon is awaiting an NFL ruling to determine whether or not he will see the field this upcoming season. The wide receiver had a breakout season in 2013 with the Cleveland Browns and was expected to return as the offensive security blanket for either Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel. However, a positive drug test could change that all as Gordon's future is in jeopardy for this season and beyond.
The Browns cannot afford to lose Gordon, but there is a good chance he might not play this year. He is facing a year suspension after failing another drug test. Now the Browns must decide the best move to make when it comes to Gordon who also served a suspension last season for a failed drug test. Will the Browns give up on their leading receiver?
According to ProFootballTalk.com's mike Florio, the Browns will not release Gordon no matter what the NFL ruling is. There has been a lot of talk that the failed drug test was the final straw for the Browns. Gordon may be productive on the field, but his off-the-field issues have overshadowed all of that. The team could opt to simply release him and wipe their hands clean of his issues, but it appears Cleveland is not ready to give up just yet.
Florio's report goes along with what owner Jimmy Haslam has been saying throughout the potential suspension process. He has stressed the Browns remain committed to Gordon and invested in his future despite the recent complications. While that is all good in front of the cameras, there is still a chance that Haslam sings a different tune if the suspension is handed down.
In the end, the Browns are still at risk of losing their best wide receiver and need to replace his stats. Cleveland did not draft a wide receiver this season, but they did pick up an aging and injured veteran in Miles Austin and a few undrafted free agents. Armed with plenty of draft picks, the Browns could still make a trade before it is too late.
There are some options depending on what kind of contract Cleveland is willing to take on. They have cap space to spare. The team could make a run at one of the options from the Oakland Raiders. Rod Streater, Andre Holmes and Denarius Moore have all briefly been mentioned in trades. Danny Amendola could be available as well along with Andre Johnson or Mike Wallace. Gordon is almost a lock to get suspended and even if the Browns do not release him, they need to replace him.
