The News
Saturday 02 of November 2024

Out pattern: Browns trade receiver Josh Gordon to Patriots


FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland. Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended. The team announced Saturday night, Sept. 15, 2018 that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career. (AP Photo/David Richard, File),FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland. Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended. The team announced Saturday night, Sept. 15, 2018 that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland. Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended. The team announced Saturday night, Sept. 15, 2018 that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career. (AP Photo/David Richard, File),FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland. Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended. The team announced Saturday night, Sept. 15, 2018 that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns have traded problematic wide receiver Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick.

The deal came together Monday, two days after the Browns reached a breaking point with Gordon, who has been suspended for much of his NFL career. Gordon played in Cleveland’s season opener, but reported to the team on Saturday with a hamstring injury after practicing all week.

The Browns have been supportive of Gordon, but the team felt betrayed and decided it was time to cut ties.

Gordon’s tantalizing talent had caused the Browns to hang onto him while he dealt with drug and alcohol dependence. He missed training camp to receive treatment and the Browns were cautiously optimistic he would help them this season.

In New England, he’ll be reunited with former Cleveland and Baylor teammate Corey Coleman, who had his own issues with the Browns before being traded last month.

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