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NFL free agency: Josh Gordon back with Browns for 2018

By John Buhler

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31, 2017: Wide receiver Josh Gordon No. 12 of the Cleveland Browns runs toward the sideline in the second quarter of a game on December 31, 2017 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 28-24. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31, 2017: Wide receiver Josh Gordon No. 12 of the Cleveland Browns runs toward the sideline in the second quarter of a game on December 31, 2017 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 28-24. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Talented, but troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon will be back with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, as he has been tendered by the Browns at $790,000.

The Cleveland Browns continue to make notable signings during the 2018 NFL offseason. Less than a week after trading for wide receiver Jarvis Landry, cornerback Damarious Randall and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Cleveland apparently bringing back talented, but troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon on a one-year, prove-it deal.

According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “the Browns have tendered Josh Gordon as an exclusive rights free agent. He has four credited seasons, so it’s worth $790,000.” Gordon was a former All-Pro with the Browns back in 2013. That year, he had 87 receptions for 1,646 and nine touchdowns. In the last four years combined, Gordon has played a total of 10 games for the struggling Browns.

Gordon did return to action last year, where he appeared in five games. He caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown. Keep in mind that he did this for a winless team that started a rookie at quarterback in DeShone Kizer. His numbers could go through the roof with two Pro Bowlers being added to the Cleveland offense in Landry and Taylor.

Cleveland will win some games this fall, as general manager John Dorsey has quickly put his mark on this team. He is the former general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. While Dorsey’s strength is in team building, he has had his issues with salary cap management, which led to his downfall in the Chiefs organization. However, Dorsey has more money than he could ever hope for with a rebuilding Browns team trying to turn the corner.

Contract Details

Even though Gordon was taking in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, he did not have four NFL seasons under his belt until last year due to his suspensions. Cleveland has tendered Gordon for 2018 as an exclusive rights free agent. The Browns are giving him $790,000 to play in 2018.

National Reaction

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Grade

This might be the best bargain signing of the 2018 NFL free agency cycle. When Gordon is at his best, he is a top-tier wideout in football. Cleveland has a better than average offensive line. Trading for Landry and Taylor seriously upgrades the Browns offensively. If the Browns get a full season out of Gordon in 2018 on this $790,000 two-year veteran minimum, there won’t be a better value deal made this offseason. The guy is an incredible player, but the risk is always there with Gordon. Let’s hope he can return to 2013 form for the 2018 Browns.

Grade: A

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