Patriots trade for Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon
To make room for Gordon, the Patriots cut recently signed wide receiver Corey Coleman.
The Patriots and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a trade sending wide receiver Josh Gordon to New England, both teams announced Monday afternoon.
Cleveland will receive a 2019 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Gordon, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday the trade was initially supposed to be for a sixth-round pick, but the Patriots do not have a sixth-round pick in next year’s draft. According to Schefter, the Patriots will also get back a 2019 seventh-round pick if Gordon is active for fewer than 10 games this season. Gordon logged one catch for 17 yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he did not play in Week 2.
To make room for Gordon, the Patriots cut recently signed wide receiver Corey Coleman.
#Patriots acquire WR Josh Gordon in a trade with Cleveland; Release WR Corey Coleman: https://t.co/aM42KYCPSr
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 17, 2018
The Browns announced Saturday evening they had informed Gordon and his representatives of their intentions to trade or release him. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Gordon’s looming departure was not in response to a substance abuse violation or failed drug test — something that had plagued the talented receiver throughout his six-year tenure in Cleveland.
Rapoport reported Sunday morning Gordon injured his hamstring during a promotional photoshoot, which contributed to the Browns’ decision to part ways with him. Rapoport reported Monday evening the MRI on Gordon’s hamstring “came out fine,” which means Gordon could be active for the Patriots against the Detroit Lions in Week 3. Schefter also reported Gordon is “healthy enough” to play Sunday.
