Jun 4, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (13) stretches during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Attention fantasy football and Cleveland Browns fans, one of your possible sleepers for the season has just been suspended for 2 games and docked 4 games pay for violating the NFL Substance abuse policy.

Second year wide receiver, Josh Gordon, was suspended today. He got into trouble in college as well for substance abuse. At Baylor, he was arrested after he was found in his car asleep at a Taco Bell with marijuana. He was later suspended after testing positive for marijuana on a drug test.

At least Gordon knows to park himself in front of Taco Bell when he gets high. The best place to get that 4th meal.

Sorry Cleveland Browns fans, that is a tough situation. Always sucks to lose a player for a few games for smoking weed. If only he was in Denver.

Jun 4, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) throws to quarterback Jason Campbell (17) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have been a bottom dwelling franchise in the NFL since their return to the NFL. Meanwhile he franchise that was once the Browns, the Baltimore Ravens have gone on to win 2 Super Bowls. In the last 5 seasons they’ve finished either 5-11 or 4-12. In fact, since coming back into the league in 1999 they’ve only made the playoffs once, and have only posted records over 5 wins 4 times.

But Brandon Weeden thinks that is all about to change.

“I think we have a chance to be really good,” Weeden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’m speaking about the whole team. Guys are flying around on that side of the ball just like we are. I think we have the potential to be really, really good.”

Of course in a lot of ways this is an effort to motivate the troops with public bravado. Similar to seeing every team in the league talk about the Super Bowl. But many think Brandon Weeden might not even be the starter next season.

“I don’t want that to change,”’ he said. “Oh, that would be tough. I’m still competing every day and competing with myself, so I’m worried about me.”

“I really haven’t changed my approach since day one,” he said. “I’m right where I want to be. Overall I think my progress was pretty good. Each practice got better for myself, not only for me for the offense. I’m pleased with it. Am I satisfied? Absolutely not.”

But he didn’t just talk about himself, he praised his teammates as well.

“They’re playing fast,” he said. “The guys outside, tight ends, backs, everybody’s really, really playing fast. They’re running routes full speed and it’s tough on those safeties and corners trying to cover them.”

In particular he bragged about wide receiver Josh Gordon.

“He’s a guy that has the ability to a top-three receiver in this league,” Weeden said. “He’s got big-play capabilities. He’s a good target, he can do so many things. He’s got a ton of ability. I’m glad he’s on our side.”

But despite all that, winning their division is an uphill battle.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Eric Hagg (27) brings down Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday afternoon the Cleveland Browns have announced 2 roster moves in regarding their secondary.

They first announced the waiving of safety 2 year player out of the University of Nebraska, Eric Hagg. Hagg who was a 7th round pick, at the overall spot of 248, played 10 games for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie after he was injured in training camp. He didn’t have much of an impact his rookie season, recording only 11 tackles and 1 pass deflection.

Last season the 23 year old 2nd year pro appeared in 12 games for the Browns, starting 3 at free safety and one at strong safety. With the departure of Eric Hagg, Cleveland is going to continue to rebuild their safety corps.

Earlier this off-season they released 7 year veteran safety Usama Young, a member of the New Orleans Saints from 2007 (who drafted him) to 2010, where he was a part of their Super Bowl team in 2009. He left the Saints after the 2010 season and joined the Cleveland Browns for the 2011 season, where he appeared in 16 games in 2011, then 13 in 2012. Collecting over 126 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 8 pass deflections and 4 touchdowns (3 is career high last season), he is now a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Now that Eric Hagg and Usama Young are gone, this gives now makes the 2nd year pro Tashaun Gipson their most experienced option at free safety with T.J. Ward starting at strong safety.

After the announcement of Eric Hagg’s release, the Cleveland Browns and 6th round pick, safety Jamoris Slaughter agree’d to terms. Slaughter started 19 games at Notre Dame, but missed most of the 2012 season as he tore his Achilles tendon. If he can stay healthy, he could have a shot at making the roster as the Cleveland Browns made some changes at the safety position this off-season.

In other roster moves, the Cleveland Browns re-signed wide receiver Michael Edwards, defensive back Kenronte Walker who are both undrafted free agents. They also waived veteran lineback Ryan Rau and Robbie Rouse.

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) passes the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Cleveland Browns added another quarterback to their depth chart. They have signed quarterback Brian Hoyer. Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals this week. According to SiriusXM Radio’s Adam Caplan, Brian Hoyer signed a two year deal with the Browns.

Everybody remembered when Hoyer came into the league as a member of the New England Patriots back in the 2009 season. In 2009, Hoyer would play in five games and throw for 142 yards. But his first start of his NFL career came last season in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, the Cardinals would lose 27-13 but Hoyer would play alright. He threw for 225 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Also Hoyer had a quick stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in his career. Obviously, Hoyer will not be competing for the number one quarterback spot as that goes to Brandon Weeden. But he will be in competition for the number two quarterback spot with Jason Campbell and Thaddeus Lewis.

Last season Campbell played for the Chicago Bears while Lewis was playing for the Browns. In Week 17, against the Steelers, Lewis threw for 204 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

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Oct 21, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

As Tim Tebow sits on the open free market and speculation about which team will sign Skip Bayless’s favorite quarterback grows. And in an unprecedented move teams come out and deny any interest in a particular player. The Jacksonville Jaguars general manager said they were not interested in the hometown hero.

Now the Cleveland Browns are announcing their lack of interest.

“I think Tim’s a great kid, I really do,” general manager Michael Lombardi said, via The Chronicle-Telegram. “Unfortunately, Tim has to get somewhere where he can develop his skills as a passer. Because in the NFL, it’s a passing league. You’ve got to be able to throw, so Tim’s got to be able to develop that skill.

“And when you commit to Tim, like Denver did the last eight games of the season when Tim was playing, you’re committing to that whole style of play. It’s all or nothing and that becomes very difficult and that’s kind of not the vision of where we’re headed.”

The problem is that Tebow is a victim of his own media hype machine. Any team that brings him on, no matter what their intentions are, falls under the scrutiny of Tebowmania. Look at what happened with the New York Jets, it’s clear Tebow was a distraction whether they admit it or not. And that attention, which is negative, might not balance out the leadership qualities he brings to the table.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals are actively trading Hoyer, because they have a surplus of backup quarterbacks after acquiring Carson Palmer from the Oakland Raiders. Hoyer is a former New England Patriots backup, and he also briefly spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. The Browns are not interested in Hoyer, but I still think he lands in the AFC North due to the Steelers reportedly heavy interest in adding Hoyer as a backup after owning him last season.

Hoyer is a solid backup and is a 27-year-old veteran with great accuracy and solid decision-making that makes up for his lack of arm strength. While Hoyer will never be a starter, he will always be a solid backup QB. Hoyer will definitely be out of Arizona at some point in the near future, and it will be interesting to see what the Cardinals can get out of him.

The Browns don’t even need another backup quarterback anyway, and they didn’t even show interest in acquiring Ryan Mallett from the New England Patriots in the newest batch of rumors regarding Mallett (teams other than the Browns have shown interest in him, though). The Browns won’t be going after this former Patriots QB, and that comes as no surprise either when you look at it.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

It is possible that there was never a visit in place, but I am definitely not going to question Schefter’s report. What is more likely is that the Browns decided to cancel their visit with Justice, or, even more likely, Winston Justice decided to schedule his visit to the Browns. Maybe he liked his opportunity of starting elsewhere, or he just didn’t want to be a backup with the Browns.

The Browns situation at left tackle has always been arguably the best in the NFL with the amazing Joe Thomas locked on the blindside, and the Browns look steady at right tackle these days too. Mitchell Schwartz is heading for his second season in the league, and the former California Golden Bears star looks poised for a solid career at RT. Schwartz is a guy I am high on, and I would have a hard time envisioning Justice beating him out for the starting job. Justice likely wants the best shot at starting, and I’m not sure the Browns offer that. Then again, Justice might not want to be a backup for a team like the Browns and would rather join with the Steelers.

It’s all speculation at this point when talking about what is going on behind the scenes, but what we do know is that the bottom line is that Justice is not visiting the Cleveland Browns today.

The San Diego Chargers have also been linked to Winston Justice.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Browns defeated the Packers 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With the #6 pick in the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have selected Barkevious Mingo out of LSU.

Cleveland Browns who signed Super Bowl champion Paul Kruger from the Baltimore Ravens, are slowly starting to look like a solid team who could be on the rise in the AFC. With the addition of Barkevious Mingo, the defense should be able to put more pressure on the quarterback this upcoming season.

Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is downright disappointing news for the Browns, as they gave Groves a two-year, $2.8 million deal after showing plenty of interest in Groves early on in free agency. He was promptly snapped up by the Browns, and his signing with Cleveland enabled him to reunite with new Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton. Groves played under Horton as his DC with the Arizona Cardinals last season.

Quentin Groves is coming off of the best season of his career in 2012 with 46 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. His arrest for soliciting a prostitute won’t impact his future with the Browns much, as he will still be a solid pass rusher as a 3-4 OLB for the Browns scheme. He finally showed some value with the Cardinals last season, and it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets opposite of the big-name acquisition the Browns made this offseason in Paul Kruger.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns have asked Brandon Weeden to take on a “leadership role”, and Weeden has accepted this challenge. The first step to becoming a franchise quarterback is to act like one, and that means showing the kind of leadership qualities that the Browns are asking Weeden to show.

I honestly think intangibles were part of the reason why the Browns decided to use a first-round pick on the 28-year-old Oklahoma State Cowboys star QB. If you search Brandon Weeden, “Alex Smith” (it shows the picture of the quarterback, not the former Browns and Buccaneers tight end) comes up as a related player. To be honest with you, I view Weeden as somebody who could be an Alex Smith kind of player. He can be a leader, a stabilizing influence at QB, and somebody who can manage the offense well without being a standout or a scrub. In essence, I think Weeden can be a solid starting quarterback, and the Browns can win with him if they commit to bringing in more talent around him at wide receiver. The most important thing is building a strong defense to support Weeden and the offense, and that’s what the Browns are doing.

Rob Chudzinski’s offensive style doesn’t seem to fit the Smith comparison, but Weeden has a better live arm than Smith (worse accuracy, though) and Chud will adapt that system for sure. The Browns are giving Weeden a longer leash than some other teams would, and he has only been in the league for one year (age has nothing to do with NFL experience). They have been called a “wild card” for Geno Smith, but I tend to agree with Tony Grossi’s assessment that this team isn’t going to draft a QB. Weeden is going to be treated as “the guy” going into the 2013 season, and Jason Campbell is going to be treated as the veteran backup. I mean, Weeden would have to really screw up for the Browns to allow Campbell to usurp him as the starter. I really like Campbell, though, so Weeden does have to keep that “make-or-break” mentality in order to give the Browns something to work with.

It’s great to see that Weeden is ready to take on a leadership role, and that’s something the Browns needed out of him anyway.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.