On Tuesday, rumors about a potential Josh Gordon trade started popping up. The Browns had, according to a report, been contacted by multiple teams interested in the talented-but-troubled wide receiver.
As we noted, it would be nearly impossible for the Browns to work out the compensation on a deal for Gordon, unless they were willing to take pennies. Maybe teams were calling offering nothing for Gordon, who was recently reinstated by the NFL after a year-long suspension.
Or perhaps, as floated by Toni Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, the Browns made up the rumors.
There is a cynical point of view out there that the Browns floated the story of interest in Gordon to promote more activity. That they are looking to cut their losses and get something for him before he self-destructs again.
The only reason for the Browns to even consider trading Gordon is if they fear he won't stay clean and abide by his recovery program. Only they would know this.
There's only one way to create a seller's market if there aren't any buyers out there. And that's to create some buyers. So if you're the Browns and, hypothetically, interested in moving Gordon, you would want people to be interested in him.
No one's interested in giving up a high draft pick for a guy who is one more failed drug test away from being indefinitely suspended from the NFL. Maybe the Browns could get a fifth-round pick for Gordon. Maybe.
There's just so much risk inherently built into the prospect of acquiring an unknown with a ton more downside than he has upside.
It's why there wasn't ever likely a deal that was going to be reached between the Browns and another team, unless the Browns are simply saying "hey, we'll take your finest ham sandwich for this guy." In which case maybe they figure out a way to make Gordon someone else's problem.
The possibility remains highly unlikely. Gordon is probably going to be a Brown and the end result is probably going to be spectacular either way.
