Cleveland Browns: Josh Gordon’s return is being handled well

The Cleveland Browns’ front office has said all the right things about Josh Gordon leading up to his impending reinstatement.

The Cleveland Browns could have handled Josh Gordon’s impending return two different ways.

The first way would be to act tough and continually say that he is welcome back, but offer him little support and try to avoid the topic altogether.

The way they chose to act is far more professional and indicative of the new individuals in charge of this franchise.

Sashi Brown recently made it clear that the front office is ready to welcome him back as a respected member of the organization.

Gordon’s behavior during his suspension is helping his cause the most, as he has remained out of trouble and has also been working out to remain in NFL-ready shape.

Based on Gordon’s past, it would be easy for this new regime to pass him off as another bust and give up on him, even if he has proved himself ready to return. But Gordon’s talent prevents such a thing from happening.

It is no secret that the Browns’ offense is in desperate need of talent at any skill position. With Travis Benjamin possibly heading elsewhere, the current group of wide receivers does not stand up well against the rest of the NFL.

The group may be bolstered through free agency and the draft, but nothing is guaranteed. Already having Gordon on the roster make things a whole lot easier, and allows the Browns to target second and third tier receivers, as opposed to shelling out a great deal of money to one great one, and having no support anywhere else on the field.

This makes it easy to come out and support him, especially since he has made it easier by showing that he is ready to change and be an active member of the organization.

Gordon’s situation is an interesting parallel to that of Johnny Manziel, who has been unable to turn things around in time to remain a part of the team. He may have to spend a year removed from the league to understand just how lucky he is to have had the chance to be a starting quarterback for an NFL franchise.

If Gordon can return and be as dominant as he was in 2013, he will be an example for Manziel and others who mess around off the field how things can change, and how a career can be revived.