Troubled Browns WR Josh Gordon applied for reinstatement back into the NFL. But will the Browns or any other team take the risk?

When Josh Gordon’s career with the Browns began in 2013, no one expected his narrative would take such a surprising turn. Much like former teammate Johnny Manziel, Gordon was known for his drinking and it finally caught up to him on multiple occasions.

In 2013, Gordon was suspended the first two games of the regular season and again in 2014 but for 10 games. Then in December of 2014, he was suspended by the Browns for the last game of the season.

But it was in January 2015 when it all came crashing down for Gordon. He tested positive for alcohol and was subsequently suspended for the year due to his multiple violations under the NFL’s new policy. Now just one year later, Gordon’s suspension is up and he’s officially apply for reinstatement back into the league.

But will a team take a chance on the troubled wide receiver?

Though Gordon’s career has been limited, his stats are still impressive. During his rookie season, Gordon played in every game, caught 50 of 96 targets for 805 yards and 5 touchdowns. But his sophomore season was truly Pro Bowl caliber as he caught 87 of 159 passes for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns in only 14 games.

Gordon’s past is truly what will hold him back from playing for the Browns or any other team. The uncertainty from the Browns mostly has to do with the newly-employed coach, Hue Jackson. Jackson appears to be taking the Browns in a new direction that might not include Gordon.

In an interview with the media, Jackson said “What I’m anxious to do is evaluate him just like we’re going to evaluate every player on our roster and see if they are the right fit for the Cleveland Browns…That’s what we have to do with every player, whether that’s Josh Gordon to whoever the last guy is on the roster.”

With all of the controversy in and surrounding the NFL, it will be interesting to see how the Browns ultimately handle Gordon’s risk vs. reward.

 

Featured image via Daily NFL Stuff