4. Trading Josh Gordon
Undoubtedly, some won’t view this as a mistake. I do.
The Browns waited so long for Josh Gordon to become eligible, and when he did, they traded him for a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots. Instead of watching Gordon score touchdowns in front of the Dawg Pound, we’ll be watching him in the Super Bowl.
I know. He was a distraction who became intolerable. The Brown weren’t happy with how he overextended himself by shooting a commercial on the Friday before a game.
The franchise decided to wash its hands of his talents after so many years of hoping and finger crossing he’d one day come back. Now, all they’ve got is a fifth-round pick to show for the years of waiting.
Yet, here are the Browns, in need of a high-octane, down-the-field threat. Gordon, meanwhile has nine catches for 211 yards in his last two games.
He’s a good player. The Browns need good players.
Other avenues could’ve been taken to discipline Gordon. After all, Dorsey didn’t have the fatigue that all of the other regimes have suffered through waiting for Gordon.
Gordon really needs to play, earn game checks and accrue time toward free agency. The Browns could’ve managed the situation better, especially with a new front office in place.
Perhaps internal suspensions would’ve been a better idea. Alas, that could’ve created a distraction with a disgruntled player.
I’m just not alone in wishing he was still out there, hauling in passes.