Browns: If Josh Gordon Had To Be Dealt, What Is The Return?

By Ryan Rosko | Aug 28, 2016

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) catches the ball for a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) misses the tackle during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) is interviewed on the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Browns defeated the Falcons 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Keep Gordon Unless It’s For A First Or Second Pick

Mac Aljancic

Josh Gordon has played in 5 games, while being suspended for 27, during the last two seasons. He was reinstated less than a month ago, and started practicing just last week.

On the other hand, his 117.6 yards per game average in 2013 was the second highest over the last 33 NFL seasons!

So when it comes to Flash, it is pretty much feast or famine. With his lengthy history of football famine, I would definitely be listening to other teams.

Considering, however, Gordon’s “Golden Corral Buffet feast” of 2013, the least that I would settle for is a second round pick. When it comes to the draft, a third round pick is likely to provide, at best, an adequate contributor (Duke Johnson, John Hughes, and Christian Kirksey are the Browns’ top third round selections since 2000). So I would rather gamble on a 10% chance of a Gordon redemption than collect a mid to low-round pick to spend on random back-up/special teams guy.

But a chance to squeeze a first or second rounder for him prior to a potential flame-out would be a very Ivy League, analytical thing to do. Maybe Paul DePodesta can also get a team to throw in a catcher with a high on-base percentage!

Next: Let Gordon Prove Himself

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