Browns WR Josh Gordon Suspended For Violating Team Rules

Update:

According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, an NFL source mentions that Browns WR Josh Gordon‘s new suspension will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season.

• Cole adds that there is expected to be either serious discussions and/or a fight between the Browns and Gordon regarding his most recent suspension.
• Pro Football Talk reports that Gordon is exploring his options in response to his suspension, and an appeal through the NFLPA is possible.

Cleveland is reportedly still debating whether to make it a paid or unpaid suspension. If the Browns were to pay Gordon, he would become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season. However, if they elect to go with an unpaid, he would still be under contract for the 2016 season, according to Cole.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms that Gordon’s suspension could ultimately cost him millions given that he will be one game short of the necessary six games for NFL players to accrue a season towards free agency.

After next season, Gordon will only be a restricted free agent.

Meanwhile, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland writes that if appears “doubtful” Gordon will be back with the Browns next year.

“Gordon has had an attitude problem since returning Nov. 17 from his 10-game suspension,” Grossi writes. “He has lollygagged in games and has increasingly declined to be made available to media.”

Grossi also mentions that the Browns nearly traded Gordon to the 49ers for what was believed to be a starting-caliber player and a second-round draft choice.

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The Cleveland Browns announced on Saturday that WR Josh Gordon has been suspended for violating team rules, per Aaron Wilson.

• Gordon suspension reportedly stems from him being absent for Saturday’s walk through.
• Browns promoted WR Phil Bates from their practice squad.

This is a bad look for Gordon, who just returned from suspension in Week 12. This will be Gordon’s third suspension in just two years.

Gordon, 23, has plenty of talent and could be a core player for the Browns moving forward, but the consistent issues with him will likely impact his NFL career.

He still has another year remaining on his four-year, $5.342 million rookie contract that$3.8 million  included guaranteed. Gordon will make a base salary of $1,068,406 for the 2015 season.

This year, Gordon has appeared in five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards receiving, but no touchdowns.