The Cleveland Browns have finally parted ways with wide receiver Josh Gordon. Yesterday afternoon the Browns announced their plans to release the former Pro Bowl receiver but they ultimately ended up trading him to the New England Patriots instead. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, at least eight to ten teams had reached out to the Browns about a potential deal.
New England will reportedly send a fifth round pick to Cleveland in exchange for the former Pro Bowler. If Gordon is not active in at least 10 games, the Browns will send the Patriots a 2019 seventh round pick. In order to make room for Gordon on the roster, the Patriots cut the recently signed Corey Coleman.
It remains unclear exactly why the Browns decided to get rid of Gordon now, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the "release was not a result of a substance-abuse violation or failing a test." ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Gordon injured his hamstring at a promotional shoot, and there's a belief that how the injury occurred is part of the reason why Cleveland finally cut ties with him.
The 27-year old was reinstated last year after missing the 2015 and 2016 seasons because of suspensions related to violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. In a statement released prior to training camp, Gordon revealed he was "doing great" both physically and mentally, and "excited to start the season."
In five games last season with the Browns, Gordon recorded 18 receptions for 335 yards and a touchdown. He had a 17-yard touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Week 1 tie, but an injured hamstring kept him out of action in Week 2 as the Browns suffered a 21-18 loss in New Orleans.
Cleveland will host the New York Jets on Thursday night to kickoff Week 3. The Pats will head to Detroit for a Sunday night matchup against the Lions.
Check out some of the reactions to today's news in the tweets embedded below.
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