Josh Gordon suspended 1 game by Browns, season may not accrue toward UFA status

The Cleveland Browns have suspended Josh Gordon for one game, forcing him to miss the finale at Baltimore, following a violation of team rules. Kevin Jones, reporter for the Browns, broke the news first via Twitter.

Additional reports have indicated the incident leading to the suspension was having Gordon missed Saturday's walk-through.

Much of the initial reaction from NFL insiders around the league was that this would mean Gordon no longer gets the 2014 season accredited in his progress toward becoming an eventual unrestricted free agent, which requires being active for at least six games. The new suspension leaves him with only five this year.

ESPN's Adam Schefter explains:

Josh Gordon's one-game suspension today could cost him millions. By being suspended for last game of season, Gordon will be active for only 5 games this season, falling one game short of what he needs for an accredited season. Thus, after next season, Gordon will be a restricted free agent, not the unrestricted free agent he was scheduled to be.

However, according to ProFootballTalk, the Browns have not yet decided whether Gordon will be suspended with or without pay, only the latter of which would keep the season being accrued. At this point, that decision will essentially determine whether or not the season accrues.

PFT is also reporting, per a source, that Gordon is exploring his options in response to the suspension and an appeal through the NFLPA is possible.