NFLPA filing could allow Josh Gordon to become a free agent a year early

Josh Gordon is looking to have a suspension overturned -- but not the one that’s going to prevent him from playing all of next season.

The NFL Players Association filed a grievance Tuesday over Gordon’s one-game suspension from the final week of the 2014 season, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

The reason? It will determine how soon the Cleveland Browns star receiver becomes a free agent.

Gordon was suspended the first 10 games last season after testing positive for marijuana in the spring. He played the next five games but was suspended by the Browns for the final game of the season after missing a team meeting.

In order for a season to count toward a player’s contract, he must have been active for at least six games. Next season is already a wash since Gordon faces a yearlong suspension after reportedly tested positive for alcohol in December, his third violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

If the one-game suspension from last season is overturned, then 2016 will be considered the final year of Gordon’s rookie contract; if not, he won’t be able to become a free agent until after the 2017 season.

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