Browns trade Josh Gordon to Patriots

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to trade wide receiver Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots, the team announced.

Cleveland reportedly will receive a 2019 fifth-round pick for Gordon. The Patriots also will receive a conditional 2019 seventh-round pick.

The Browns announced Saturday they would release the talented but troubled wide receiver.

"This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday," general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally, and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we've reached a point where we feel it's best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well."

Gordon, 27, caught one pass — a 17-yard touchdown — in the Browns’ season-opening tie against the Steelers. He did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Saints.

Gordon has been suspended several times for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was suspended indefinitely during the 2014 season and missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He was reinstated last season and played in five games.

Gordon was drafted by the Browns in the 2012 Supplemental Draft. In 2013 -- his best season -- he caught 87 passes for a league-high 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.

In his Browns’ career, the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder totaled 180 receptions for 3,106 yards and 16 touchdowns.

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