Browns Open To Bringing WR Josh Gordon Back If He’s Turned Things Around

Browns VP Sashi Brown tells Tony Grossi that their current situation at receiver doesn’t leave them in a position to move on from suspended WR Josh Gordon if he’s turned things around.

“Listen, assuming he would play at the level we started to see glimpses of last preseason and certainly in the league before, [Gordon] would be a talent I think no team in the NFL would turn down if he got back in,’ Brown said. “Our decision with Josh is just understanding where he is in this process and being able to have him. We’re not in position at wide receiver to turn down a guy like Josh if we feel he’s settled himself. Josh is going to have an opportunity to reapply to the NFL and at that time we’ll make a decision when we know what’s going on.”

Last week, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Gordon is hoping to hear back from the NFL regarding his reinstatement to the league by late April or early May.

A source close to Gordon told Graziano that he “embraces his role in his poor decision-making, which is half the battle.”

While it’s possible Gordon will be reinstated at some point, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer mentions that it’s still doubtful the Browns would give him another chance. In fact, a source told Cabot that the Browns are likely to either trade or possibly even release Gordon, despite the fact that they own his rights for another two years.

There had been reports dating back to last year that the Browns were unlikely to give Gordon another chance after he had another setback and later checked into rehab. However, it appears as though Cleveland isn’t willing to completely shut the door on him returning just yet.

As of now, Gordon is working out with former Olympian turned speed coach Tim Montgomery in hope of resuming his career.

Gordon has also changed agents this offseason and hired Joby Branion, who represents Von Miller.

Last year, Gordon made the decision to enter rehab after what was described to him as a “slip-up” or a potential violation of drug and alcohol policy. Cabot later reported that Gordon checked into rehab because of an alcohol problem.

Gordon, 25, is a former second-round supplemental pick of the Browns back in 2012. He would have already been an unrestricted free agent had he not missed so much time due to suspensions, but the Browns hold his rights for two more years, given that he has just two accrued seasons.

In 2014, Gordon appeared in five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards receiving, but didn’t score a touchdown.

We’ll have more regarding Gordon’s return to the NFL as the news is available.