Is Josh Gordon ready to make a return?

Is one of the NFL’s best but troubled receivers ready for a return to the league? Josh Gordon hopes to straighten himself out before the 2016-2017 NFL season.

It was reported in April that Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon failed yet another drug test that he took in March. This caused the NFL to deny his application for reinstatement.

Many wondered if this was the end for Gordon as an NFL player but Hall of Fame running back, Jim Brown believes Gordon is on the right track.

"“I’ve talked with Josh twice on the phone, and the last time I talked with him he sounded very motivated and I think he was in rehab and feeling good about it and discovering some things about himself,” Brown said Wednesday. “He seemed ready to take responsibility for himself.”"

Brown went on to imply that the Browns would welcome him back on the field if he is reinstated.

The issue remains if the NFL would welcome him back with the same open arms. Gordon has received multiple bans over the past couple seasons and has not played a game since December 2014. Not to mention, he was spotted in April with free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel in Southern California.

Gordon lead the NFL in receiving in 2013 when he caught 87 balls for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in only 14 games. Despite the troubled receiver’s star potential, the Browns have prepared for life with out Gordon.

The Browns selected four receivers, including first-round draft selection Corey Coleman out of Baylor, in this year’s NFL Draft. Adding Gordon to the mix would give coach Hue Jackson more to do with the offense and would help assumed starter, Robert Griffin III.

Gordon making a comeback could make the Browns a much different football team. They already have a pretty good defense and a good assortment of offensive talent. Whether the NFL will choose to reinstate Gordon is yet to be seen. He is able to reapply after August 1.