The Josh Gordon era is all but over on Cleveland. On Saturday, the Browns announced they plan to release the wide receiver on Monday.
"This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday," general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we've reached a point where we feel it's best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well."
He may not reach the open market. Five teams are interested in acquiring the wide receiver, according to NFL Network, opening the possibility Gordon is traded before Monday.
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SIGN UP HERE Gordon, who struggled with substance abuse and was suspended a total of 56 games from 2014-17, reportedly showed up to the Browns facility late on Saturday. After practicing fully all week, Gordon told the team he was dealing with a hamstring injury, and sources told Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot that there was concern Gordon relapsed.
The 27-year-old was First-Team All-Pro in 2013, and caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. He caught one pass, a 17-yard touchdown, in Cleveland's season-opening tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.
Gordon thanked the Browns for his time in Cleveland in an Instagram story, and made it clear he's still looking for work.
