FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Patriots have agreed to terms that will bring veteran wide receiver Josh Gordon to New England, a move confirmed by tweets published by both teams.
#Patriots acquire WR Josh Gordon in a trade with Cleveland; Release WR Corey Coleman: https://t.co/aM42KYCPSr
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 17, 2018
We've traded WR Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/2eYO4A69jq
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 17, 2018
Details of the move were initially reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapaport.
New England is sending a 2019 fifth-round draft pick to Cleveland and if Gordon does not play in 10 games with the Patriots, Cleveland will send back a 2019 seventh-round draft pick.
Gordon has battled drug addiction and mental health issues since entering the NFL in 2012. He missed the entire 2015 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
After reinstatement, he was suspended for the first four games of 2016 and then checked into a rehabilitation center, ending his 2016 season as well.
He reported late to Browns camp this summer for unspecified reasons and was told by the Browns he would be released on Monday prior to the team's game in New Orleans.
In all, Gordon has played in 41 games over parts of five seasons with the Browns and just 11 games since 2013. He has 180 receptions for 3,106 yards and 16 touchdowns, including a touchdown reception in the season-opening tie against Pittsburgh.
Correction: Boston 25 News previously reported that Josh Gordon was "reportedly close to signing" with the Patriots, rather than close to being traded to the Patriots.
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