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NFL rumors: Browns tried to trade Josh Gordon

By Brad Berreman

Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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 Before Josh Gordon put his NFL return on hold indefinitely by entering rehab, the Cleveland Browns reportedly gauged his value on the trade market.

The Cleveland Browns need all the talent they can get, so the looming return from suspension of wide receiver Josh Gordon in Week 5 offered some hope. But news came this past week that Gordon will enter an in-person rehab facility, with more recent reports of a “slip-up” regarding the NFL’s substance abuse policy and an alcohol problem as the root of Gordon’s entrance into rehab.

In reference to Gordon, Browns’ head coach Hue Jackson said on Friday “we’re moving on.” Other reports point to Gordon having played his last snap for the team and team being ready to cut ties, which seems fairly obvious as he tries to get his life in order off the field.

During an appearance on Sunday NFL Countdown, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Cleveland was actively pursuing a trade involving Gordon before he checked himself into rehab. A trade is obviously not any sort of immediate option now, and Gordon’s value was probably minimal anyway, so the Browns are likely left to waive him and cut ties once and for all.

It’s amazing think that Gordon is still just 25 years old. He missed all of the 2015 season due to a season-long suspension, and only played five games in 2014 due to a different punishment by the league. Gordon’s big 2013 campaign ( 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns over 14 games), on the heels of yet another substance abuse suspension to start that season, seems like a long time ago. In NFL terms it is, really, and Gordon is finally out of chances in Cleveland and the other 31 teams surely won’t touch him.

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Gordon cited a need to “gain full control of my life” upon his decision to enter rehab. Let’s hope he can do it, and soon, as he continues to battle addiction.

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