The Cleveland Browns are reportedly going to do something pretty special for receiver Josh Gordon that will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
Gordon is currently away from the team dealing with a personal matter that remains undisclosed — something other NFL teams are reportedly not exactly happy about. If he were to remain off the roster (he’s currently on the “did not report” list) on Tuesday, then he’d be subject to being a restricted free agent once again in 2019 due to losing an accrued season toward free agency.
However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday morning that the Browns will move him off the “did not report” list to the roster by Tuesday, placing him on the reserve list (NFI) until he does show up for work.
This move, along with the fact that Cleveland traded away Corey Coleman on Sunday, is a clear indication that the Browns do expect Gordon to be a part of the team going forward. It’s a good-faith gesture that won’t go unnoticed by the receiver and his representatives.
Hopefully, Gordon is getting the personal care he needs so that, when he does return to the team, he’ll be able to withstand the physical, emotional and mental rigors that come with the NFL grind.