Josh Gordon is only 23 years old, so there's reason to be optimistic that even a year-long suspension, as is expected, won't derail his career that much. But a lengthy ban could have greater ramifications for his future; some wonder whether he'd be able to get back into the league at all.
That's the view of "sources close to Gordon" in an article on cleveland.com. A year-long ban would remove Gordon from the team, teammates, and whatever gains he receives from having the organizational support system around him. That would make it tough for Gordon to get back into the NFL; tough to avoid missteps that have landed him in his current situation.
Different case, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have basically moved on from Justin Blackmon, suspended indefinitely and not expected to be available in 2014.
Gordon's appeal of his suspension is expected to be heard in late July, and it's a little surprising that it's taken so long to occur. That's led some to believe that maybe Gordon won't be suspended for an entire season; that perhaps there's time for the league and the NFLPA to work out a reduced suspension.
Unlike Jacksonville, which has Cecil Shorts and used a pair of second-round picks on talented wideouts, the Browns have no one on the roster likely to make them forget about Gordon. He could be suspended for eight games, for example, and still probably lead the team in receiving on his return.
In any case, it's not time to give on Gordon in dynasty leagues, or even to rule out the possibility of him making a fantasy impact late this season. Maybe he can get that suspension reduced.
But if it stands, it's time to worry about more than just 2014.
--Andy Richardson