Browns' Josh Gordon: Could stay in Cleveland if reinstated

The Browns may still have interest in retaining Gordon if he is eventually reinstated from his league suspension, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis:

Previously suspended by the NFL for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014 and then the entire 2015 season, Gordon was denied reinstatement in April amidst reports of a failed drug test due to a diluted sample that also contained traces of marijuana. His repeated violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy might make it a tough sell when he's eligible to apply for reinstatement again on Aug. 1, but Gordon does at least have a few factors working in his favor, namely that his latest failed drug test actually came up short of the league's required threshold for a marijuana sample. He's also passed dozens of drug tests since entering the league, and he hasn't had any reported legal issues since entering rehab in the aftermath of a July 2014 DWI. Although the Browns have made it clear they aren't banking on Gordon's presence for 2016, the franchise's new regime might be willing to give him a shot if the NFL signs off on it. Even if things eventually work out in his favor, Gordon could miss games at the beginning of the season, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell often takes weeks (or even months) to decide such matters. In the meantime, Gordon still can't participate in team activities.