On Monday, the Cleveland Browns announced that they were going to trade Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots. This would come with a 2019 seventh-round draft pick and the Browns would get a 2019 fifth-round draft pick.
Gordon was initially drafted to the Browns in 2012. In 2013, he was suspended for breaking the NFL substance-abuse policy, and then was arrested for driving under the influence in 2014. Gordon missed the majority of both the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to his issues with his suspensions. Despite the wide receiver’s troubles, he is nicknamed “Flash” and had an outstanding 2013 season, which he led in receiving nine touchdowns and an impressive 1,646 yards.
In the Browns’ Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gordon caught the overtime, game-winning touchdown. After all of his issues, he can still prove that he’s got it, so the Patriots were not the only team seeking him out when he was released. On Friday afternoon, Gordon was shooting a hype-promotional video and showing the camera his speed and agility when he pulled his hamstring. The Browns have had a lot of trouble with the distractions from Josh Gordon, but this put him over the edge.
General Manager John Dorsey released this statement on Saturday from the Browns’ staff:
“This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday… For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally, and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we’ve reached a point where we feel it’s best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well.”
The Browns lost to the Saints 18-21 on Sunday. They play the Jets at home on Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Patriots have been switching up their receivers frequently, looking for some people who can work well with their star, Tom Brady. Brady said of Gordon to a reporter on Monday, “hopefully he can work hard, put the team first and end up helping us in any role that he can find for himself on the team…” The Patriots are 1-1 and they play the Detroit Lions on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.
