Reporter suggests Browns trying to increase Josh Gordon trade interest

Are the Cleveland Browns trying to better their chances of trading Josh Gordon by insisting they have no interest in trading Josh Gordon?

One reporter isn’t ruling it out.

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that “multiple teams” have reached out to the Browns about Gordon and all have been told the 25-year-old wide receiver is not available. One of Schefter’s coworkers, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi, feels there is something “fishy” about Schefter’s report. Allow him to explain:

There is a cynical point of view out there that the Browns floated the story of interest in Gordon to promote more activity. That they are looking to cut their losses and get something for him before he self-destructs again.

The only reason for the Browns to even consider trading Gordon is if they fear he won’t stay clean and abide by his recovery program. Only they would know this.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk also raised a good point: Wouldn’t the Browns be the only ones to know if multiple teams had made offers for Gordon. And if Schefter’s source was someone in the Browns organization, what’s the motive? If the team has no interest in trading Gordon, they could just say nothing. Either they really want him to feel the love, or they could be trying to drive up the asking price.

While the Browns have insisted they are standing behind Gordon, comments like these ones from Hue Jackson are enough to make you wonder.