Josh Gordon's absence from training camp has potential contractual ramifications, but the Browns are glad the former All-Pro wide receiver is focusing on his treatment and have worked to ensure an upcoming deadline won't interfere with his program, a league source told the Beacon Journal/Ohio.com on Sunday afternoon.
The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association stipulates Gordon would be in danger of not qualifying for restricted free agency in March if he doesn't report to the Browns by Tuesday. ProFootballTalk.com first pointed out the language in the CBA on Sunday morning.
Gordon is on the reserve/did not report list, and, according to the CBA, players on the list who fail to report to their teams by Tuesday, 30 days before the regular season begins on Sept. 6, won't receive an accrued season toward free agency, even if they play in all 16 games.
However, the league source said the Browns have taken steps with the NFL to make sure Gordon won't lose an accrued season as a result of his absence Tuesday because they want his health to be the main priority. The league source said Gordon is not expected to report to the Browns by Tuesday.
Three days before training camp opened, Gordon announced he would miss the start of camp to focus on his "overall health and treatment plan." Browns general manager John Dorsey initially said he would place Gordon on the non-football illness list but later explained he changed his mind and would put Gordon on the reserve/did not report list to open a roster spot.
The Browns haven't received word when Gordon, 27, is coming back. His agent, Kelton Crenshaw, has not returned messages seeking comment.
Gordon, though, has been posting videos of himself working out in Florida on social media in recent days, and Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins revealed Saturday the two of them had exchanged text messages Friday.
Despite Gordon entering the NFL in 2012 via the supplemental draft, his suspensions for recurring violations of the league's substance-abuse policy have led to him earning just two accrued seasons thus far.
If he earns an accrued season in 2018 _ six games are required _ he'll be eligible for restricted free agency in March. If not, he would remain an exclusive rights free agent, the category in which the Browns tendered him a one-year, $790,000 contract earlier this offseason.
Dorsey said Friday during a radio interview with 92.3 The Fan he hadn't talked to Gordon and would respect the player's privacy.
"I admire what he's doing here because he's taking care of the long-term interest of his person, and what I'm going to do is concentrate on the guys who are here in the 2018 training camp," Dorsey said. "And when Josh gets here, I'll be excited to see him."
"I told you all he would be here," Dorsey added, "and he will be here."
