2016 Cleveland Browns roster analysis: The wide receivers

Josh Gordon 

Age: 25

Experience: 3 years 

Contract Status: Owned by Browns 

After serving a full-year suspension in 2015, which prohibited him from being around the team or at the team’s facility, Gordon was reinstated a few days prior to the start of the 2016 training camp. With the reinstatement he was allowed to resume all team activities and play in the preseason. He then would be suspended the first four games of the season and be allowed to return to his first regular season action in Week 5.

Gordon battled a hamstring injury the first few weeks of camp. The team was patient with the receiver and were delighted to have the former All-Pro back. Reports from Berea said Gordon was thrilled to be back and that he was putting in the work to return to Pro Bowl form.

Gordon made his preseason debut in Week 3 against Tampa Bay. He caught two passes for 87 yards and one touchdown. In his first football action in over a year, Gordon showed his top-level talent and looked to have good chemistry with quarterback Robert Griffin III. The team was salivating at the though of having a wide receiver “Big 3” between Gordon, Pryor and Coleman. He also played in the preseason finale against Chicago catching two passes for 29 yards.

Through the first four weeks of the regular season, there was no news on Josh Gordon except that he was expected to return to regular season play against New England in Week 5. During the week of his anticipated return Gordon announced he would not be coming back and instead would be checking himself into rehab for alcohol.

At the same time as this disappointing but not surprising news, Gordon was involved in a paternity case where a DNA test revealed he was the father of a one-year-old girl. The combination of these two problems indicated he did not have his life together and was not ready for a return to the NFL.

2017 Outlook: 

The Browns organization has given Josh Gordon numerous chances to get his life together and return to the team. However, he has failed countless times as he has now missed the last two full seasons. Hue Jackson is in the process of changing the culture of the Browns and having Gordon around doesn’t fit his plans. Gordon’s contract is still owned by the team, but the team will likely release him or attempt to trade him as it is now best to officially move on.