NFL Rumors: Browns Asked Teams For Second-Round Pick In Trade Talks For Josh Gordon?

The Cleveland Browns have finally moved on from the Johnny Manziel experiment, but are still dealing with Josh Gordon and an uncertain future with the troubled wide receiver. Gordon has played a total of 35 games in his four seasons with the Browns. Suspensions and off-the-field issues have plagued this talented receiver’s career in the NFL. Despite the constant problems and all the questions surrounding his future, Gordon may finally be able to put his troubles behind him this year.

Josh Gordon, who will serve a four-game suspension to start the 2016 NFL season, was rumored to be on the trading block this week. The Browns seemed to be ready to part ways with the 25-year-old wideout and had an asking price for team’s expressing interest in the one-time All-Pro, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, via Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

“Browns had conversations with teams about Gordon and were willing to part ways with him in exchange for ‘a second-round pick and then some.'”

Although reports have been surfacing about the Browns exploring trade options for Gordon, the team denies having any interest in trading the wide receiver. Sashi Brown, the head of football operations for the Browns, claims the team isn’t looking to send Gordon elsewhere, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

“Listening [to trade offers] is probably a mischaracterization. We’ve said all we needed to say about it. We’re not looking to trade Josh,” Brown said.

Whether the Browns’ front office has any interest in trading arguably their best offensive weapon remains to be seen. The fact is that the team may be only looking to bump up the asking price with all the rumors swirling around Cleveland’s intentions with Josh Gordon.

Despite the endless speculation and trade rumors, Gordon doesn’t appear to have any desire to change teams at this point. The Baylor product recently let his intentions be known publicly. Gordon has no desire to be traded, saying the following to ESPN Cleveland about his current situation with the Browns.

“I haven’t heard too much about it,” Gordon said. “Cleveland is my team. That’s where I want to be, everything like that. That’s not even in the ballpark for me. I’m not sure how that works.”

Gordon continued to stress his desire to stay with the Browns. Although he’s only played five games with the team in the last two years, it appears he still calls Cleveland home and that stance hasn’t changed, even with all that has gone on.

“I expect to move forward with that. I’m excited about it. This is where I want to be and I’m happy to be with Cleveland.”

With Hue Jackson bringing in a new attitude and accountability as head coach in Cleveland, the Browns have an opportunity to right the ship. There’s no question that it will take time for the Browns to break out of their slump and get back into playoff contention in the AFC, but they may be able to see some light at the end of the tunnel with a rejuvenated Gordon and a respected Jackson leading the way.

As a result of Gordon’s suspension to start the season, the wideout won’t be eligible to play a down until Week 5 against the New England Patriots. Gordon will be forced to miss the first four games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins. Only one of the four will be played at home when the Browns host the division rival Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sept. 18.

If all goes well, Josh Gordon will officially be back in uniform and ready to play on Oct. 9 for the team’s second home game of the season against Tom Brady and company. Ironically enough, it will also be Brady’s first game back with the four-time Super Bowl champion also serving a four-game suspension to start the 2016 campaign.

[Photo by Jason Behnken/AP Images]