Browns news: Josh Gordon will play for Cleveland for less than $1 million in 2018

After playing only six games last season and missing a lot of time due to multiple suspensions, wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns will be making less than $1 million in 2018.

Wide receiver Josh Gordon heads into this NFL offseason in a precarious contract situation with the Cleveland Browns due to his significant amount of time missed due to suspension. He had been off the field for nearly three years due to an indefinite ban handed down by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy multiple times.

This has put Gordon in a situation where he is now labeled as an “exclusive rights free agent,” which only gives the choice of re-signing with the Browns. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the 26-year-old will play next season under the veteran minimum salary that will be worth $790,000.

Instead, Gordon will play for the Browns in 2018 for the four-year veteran minimum of $790,000 as an “exclusive rights free agent.” That designation is for a player who has two or fewer accrued seasons and his contract has expired. An accrued season is one in which a player is on the roster for at least six games of the season.

This has all come about due to the fact that Gordon only played in five games this past season, which gives the Browns his rights through 2019. If he is able to take the field for at least six games in 2018, it will allow for him to become a restricted free agent next offseason. This would give other teams the chance to make an offer for him, and if Cleveland decides not to make it the organization that acquires him would have to give the Browns a draft pick compensation equal to the price paid on him.

If Gordon is still on the team beyond the 2018 season, it would require the Browns to have him under contract before the ensuing free agency period. On top of that, if he takes the field for at least six games in 2019, he would be in line to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.

All of this only heightens the level of importance there will be for Gordon to put together a strong 2018 campaign in what could be his first full year since 2013. He had shown flashes that he still possesses plenty of talent after making 18 catches on 43 targets for 335 receiving yards and a touchdown. His long-term NFL future in his hands from this point on if wants to receive a lucrative deal from the Browns or another team at some point over next couple of years.