The future for Josh Gordon is up in the air with the Cleveland Browns after getting suspended again and the team could look at his trade or release after the year-long suspension is up and if that happens, teams like the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, NY Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings could be interested in picking him up.
Gordon was suspended twice during the regular season this year and now he faces a potential one year ban for failing another substance test. According to Pro Football Talk, Gordon failed a test due to his consumption of alcohol and the reason he was suspended was due to the fact that drinking was "banned as part of his DUI treatment plan." Gordon already was suspended for 11 games in 2014 and that followed a two game ban in 2013 for failing a drug test.
Gordon has had numerous problems off the field since coming into the league, including an arrest for driving while impaired in North Carolina. Gordon missed time in 2013 for violating the substance abuse policy of the NFL and he also previously was dismissed from Baylor for a failed test for smoking marijuana. ESPN Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi wrote after the season that Gordon likely would not be back with the team and that was before his one year ban was reported on.
Gordon is one of the most dynamic players in the league and after leading the NFL in receiving yards at just 22, it looked like he could be a superstar. Gordon still is young enough to turn things around, but missing a year at his age could derail any chance of him being a consistent player for the Browns. Jeremy Fowler at ESPN.com writes that the team is better off without Gordon, as he has been a distraction and a disappointment and has proven that he cannot be relied upon.
Gordon missed 10 games this past year after being suspended before the season started and he later missed Week 17 after being suspended by the Browns. ESPN.com reoprted that Gordon missed a team walkthrough and was suspended, which affected his upcoming free agent status, as he was active for just five games this season. Gordon did not get an accrued year for this season and now if he faces a one game ban, he will not be a free agent until 2016.
Gordon set career highs in 2013 with 87 catches for 1646 yards and nine touchdowns, emerging as one of the best young receivers in the league. Gordon had 50 catches for 805 yards as a rookie, but last season he played in just five games, making 24 catches for 303 yards and zero touchdowns. The Browns went 1-4 during Gordon's return this past season and now his future with the team is up in the air.
The Browns finished with a losing record after starting the season 7-4 and now they have some major questions with Johnny Manziel and his future with the team. The Browns finished the season on a five game losing streak and they may look at bringing back Brian Hoyer to be the starter if Manziel does not get himself prepared enough to take over for the 2015 season.
