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Josh Gordon has been suspended for the second time this season on Saturday. The Browns announced that this time was for violating team rules, but did not specify which. However, it has become known that he was not at the Browns’ walk-through practice Saturday.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Brown Was Not at Saturday’s Practice
Josh Gordon wasn’t the only no show in Cleveland today. Per league source, Johnny Manziel also was not at facility. He’s currently on IR.
The Browns held a walk-through practice on Saturday in preparation of the Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns are out of playoff contention, but a win would knock the Ravens out.
Gordon and Johnny Manziel were not at this practice, but Manziel is on the injured reserve and therefore not required to attend.
2. This Is Gordon’s 2nd Suspension This Season
Gordon was suspended for ten games at the beginning of the season for repeated drug violations. This suspension came after he was charged with a DWI in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 5.
3. The Suspension Could Delay His Free Agency
By missing the final game of the season, Gordon will have only been active in five games this season. The minimum number of games needed to count as a season is six, meaning he will be a restricted free agent next year, instead of the unrestricted one he was supposed to be. This will depend on if the Browns suspend him with or without pay.
“Josh Gordon’s one-game suspension today could cost him millions. By being suspended for last game of season, Gordon will be active for only 5 games this season, falling one game short of what he needs for an accredited season. Thus, after next season, Gordon will be a restricted free agent, not the unrestricted free agent he was scheduled to be. In the NFL, a player needs to be active for six games to earn an accredited season. He needs to become an unrestricted free agent. Gordon was active for five games this season, due to his suspensions, and with this most recent one, will fall one game short of having this count as an accredited season toward free agency.” — Adam Schefter’s Facebook
4. The Browns Almost Traded Gordon Last Season
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According to ESPN Cleveland, the Browns almost traded Gordon last season, but refrained when they only received a less-than-first-round offer from San Francisco. That trade would have given the Browns a “starting-caliber player and a second-round draft choice,” according to the article.
5. Gordon Does Not Have A Touchdown This Season
Josh Gordon: 1st player to lead NFL in receiving & fail to score a TD in the following season since Raymond Berry in 1961 (@EliasSports)
Gordon’s short season has ended with him recording 303 yards and no touchdowns from 24 receptions.
