The Cleveland Browns Should Consider Bringing Back Josh Gordon

There's an old saying that goes, "If you love someone, set them free; if they come back to you, it was meant to be."

With Super Bowl aspirations on the line, the Browns should seriously kick the tires on bringing back former superstar receiver Josh Gordon.

In 2013, Gordon led the league in receiving yards with 1,646 and nine touchdowns. His quarterback was Brandon Weeden. Since then, Gordon has been in and out of the league, last playing for the Browns in 2018 and making stops with Tom Brady in New England and Pete Carroll in Seattle.

Surely, the monster days are likely far behind the journeyman 30-year old wideout, but with the NFL relaxing their policy on THC testing, reuniting with Gordon almost makes perfect sense for Cleveland right now.

Thin at WR

The Browns lost Jarvis Landry for at least a few weeks with a sprained MCL, according to several reports. Additionally, Odell Beckham Jr. is questionable to come off his torn ACL Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. At this point, it's up to Beckham if he wants to play. Regardless, it's likely the Browns will keep this duo on a pitch count until they're truly at full health.

On Monday, the Browns released preseason standout Davion Davis.

That leaves Rashard Higgins, 2020 sixth-rounder Donovan Peoples-Jones, and rookie Anthony Schwartz.

Playing Keep Away

You know who else could use to add another wideout to the mix in the AFC?

The Baltimore Ravens. The Kansas City Chiefs. The Buffalo Bills. 

Remember, Gordon is probably not the elite talent he once was, but regardless of this, his explosive downfield ability should still be a sign of caution. The Browns can't afford to let Gordon sign with any of the top teams in the AFC. It would be a nightmare to see our old best friend torch us in an AFC Championship game.

Also, you better believe Tom Brady will be making some noise down in Florida to get Gordon back once reinstated. And the Buccaneers have real Super Bowl aspirations, too.

The Baker Mayfield Factor

If you can get more than 1,600 yards with Weeden as your QB, you're elite.

Mayfield's calling card is to spread the ball around, even with Beckham and Landry at full strength. Sprinkle in Gordon to that mix, and the Browns should be back to having the best receiving core in the league.

The Bottom Line

A potential Gordon signing is not one that should break the bank.

Much rather, this would be similar to punching a lottery ticket, like GM Andrew Berry has done with defensive linemen Takk McKinley and Malik McDowell. If it works, you're a genius. If it doesn't, nobody really expected it to anyways.

This isn't holding onto a magical 2013 season. This isn't giving a guy that has had seemingly 100 chances one more. It's not an attempt at a Disney scripted comeback story.

This is solely kicking the tires on a player that could help legitimize your chances at winning a Super Bowl title.