After being suspended for more than a year, it didn’t seem like any team, including the Cleveland Browns, would want to put up with wide receiver Josh Gordon. But with Gordon reinstated, interest in the receiver seems to have changed.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, multiple teams have expressed interest in trading for Gordon. However, Schefter also reports that the Browns aren’t looking to trade the much-maligned receiver. The team says it believes that Gordon can live up to expectations under new coach Hue Jackson.
Multiple teams have reached out to the Browns to inquire about the availability of WR Josh Gordon, per league… https://t.co/84cGMp42j8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2016
Cleveland has held onto Gordon despite his troubles off the field. He was suspended back in January 2015 for testing positive for alcohol. The Browns receiver was already in the league’s substance abuse program, which meant the positive test would result in a year-long suspension.
Gordon was reinstated by the NFL back in July, but will have to sit out the first four games of the season. This suspension doesn’t seem to be slowing down interest from other teams, however. Cleveland appears to be focused on getting Gordon ready to return to action after his long-term absence instead of looking to deal him away.
Though Gordon is suspended for the first four games, he is able to participate in workouts and practices. The Browns and Jackson are making sure he is ready to go when he is eligible to return in Week 5 when Cleveland takes on the New England Patriots. Ironically enough, that will also be the first game for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who will be coming off of his Deflategate suspension.
[ESPN]
