The Cleveland Browns made it clear they are moving on from Josh Gordon, but they reportedly made a final effort to trade him before he entered rehab this week.
The Browns “actively pursued a trade involving Josh Gordon before the talented but troubled wide receiver decided to check himself into an inpatient rehabilitation facility, multiple sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.”
Schefter reports the Browns were seeking a “first- or second-day draft pick,” so it’s not surprising he remained with Cleveland.
Despite possessing skills comparable to the NFL’s best receivers, Gordon’s off-field troubles — specifically his ongoing battle with alcohol and drug addiction — make him an untouchable asset at this time.
Before entering rehab this past week, Gordon was already staring his last chance in the face. He was suspended the entire 2015 season and the first four games of 2016 after the league conditionally reinstated him earlier this year.
While the NFL has not taken any further action, we suspect further discipline will be forthcoming after news broke that he entered rehab after potentially violating the NFL’s drug policy once again.