Report: Patriots close to acquiring Josh Gordon

The New England Patriots are closing in on a trade to acquire wide receiver Josh Gordon from the Cleveland Browns, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Browns said Saturday that they planned to release the former All-Pro, but it seems that enough teams are interested in parting with an asset in order to trade for him.

Gordon boasts a ton of talent, but an equal amount of off-field baggage. Suspensions for substance abuse have limited Gordon to just 11 games since the start of the 2014 season. The Browns decided to cut ties with the 27-year-old after he reportedly showed up late to the team facility Saturday morning - and with a wonky hamstring. Gordon supposedly sustained the injury at a promotional event.

If the deal is finalized, it would significantly bolster a thin New England receiving corps. Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013. The Patriots will also get slot specialist Julian Edelman back from a suspension in Week 5.

In his lone appearance this season, Gordon caught one pass - a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter - in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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