The Cleveland Browns may look at a Josh Gordon trade or his release into the 2015 season, as the wide receiver was suspended multiple times last year and with a battle looming over his free agent status, teams like the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts or San Francisco 49ers could be interested in acquiring him.
Gordon is coming off of a disappointing season that saw him suspended multiple times and now his free agent status is up in the air after he missed the Week 17 game for Cleveland. According to ESPN.com, Gordon was suspended for that game after missing a team walkthrough and due to that, he only received five game checks in 2014. Gordon was suspended for 10 games to start the season and was later reinstated, but by missing that final game, he did not get an "accrued" season for 2014.
Gordon was heading towards unrestricted free agency after previously being a supplemental draft pick and now that could be off the table after the Browns suspended him. A player needs at least six game checks to get an "accrued" season and that means he could end up a restricted free agent instead. The distinction is quite large, obviously, and that is why Gordon and his reps likely will fight the decision. According to Pro Football Talk, Gordon's future with the team is up in the air now with his status and that could lead to a split for 2015.
ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi wrote after the season that GM Ray Farmer made it sound like Gordon likely would be gone in 2015. Farmer spoke about Gordon in his season ending press conference and Grossi said from the feel of that presser, he would not be surprised if Gordon was released or traded this offseason. The Browns have a number of issues with their young players, as Johnny Manziel and Justin Gilbert showed some maturity issues and at the end of the season both Farmer and owner Jimmy Haslam said the trio of players (Gordon included) need to act more professional.
Gordon had a fantastic season in 2013, leading the league in receiving yards in just 14 games, but off the field issues have continued to dog him. Gordon missed two games with a suspension that season and was suspended for 10 games before returning in 2014, making just 24 catches and zero touchdowns this year. Gordon had 87 catches for 1646 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013, setting career highs across the board.
The Browns have some options if they get rid of Gordon, as reports have Larry Fitzgerald likely getting released, while Mike Wallace could be a trade target. The team also has money to spend in free agency and names like Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin could be available as well. Maclin is coming off of a strong season with the Eagles, while Cobb is coming out of a good season with the Packers and both will be prime targets on the market. Fitzgerald is likely to get released by the Cards and if that happens, the Patriots will be the favorites to get him.
