CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Josh Gordon waltzed into Browns' practice last week and was instantly the best player on the roster, sources close to the team told cleveland.com.



That includes No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, who's universally considered a physical freak.



Gordon blew teammates away with his speed, route-running ability and sure hands, sources said.

He showed up in Berea in phenomenal shape after working out all offseason at N.U.M.A. Speed in Gainesville, Fla. with former Olympic sprinter Tim Montgomery. Gordon (6-3, 225) was clocked at 4.35 in the 40. He also made cuts in the sand against resistance, lifted tires and ran long distance sprints on a track.



Rookie safety Jabrill Peppers, who faced him for the first time on Wednesday, was still in awe when he met with the media on Friday.



"Absolutely,'' Peppers said. "Man, he's just like what I said about Myles (Garrett),'' he said. "He's just one of those guys who he's too big and strong to be that fast. It's different when you're watching him than actually being on the field with him. you can feel the speed going by, and I think us having him back for this week, he was doing what AJ Green does when he goes against our defense.



"I don't think we can get a better look than that. We're definitely grateful to have him back, I can't wait to see him in action next week. But for right now we've got to do without him this game. but definitely having him out there definitely ratchets everything up. You don't see too many guys like that.''



Gordon is set to be activated on Monday, and can play in the final five games, beginning with Saturday's game against the Chargers in Los Angeles.



Jimmy Haslam, Jackson and McCarron pre-game chat



Haslam, Jackson and McCarron chatted on the field before the game, and were all smiles as they caught up. In fact, Jackson sprinted toward McCarron and bearhugged him first.



The only problem for the Browns is, McCarron was wearing a Bengals' beanie instead of a Browns one after the failed trade on Oct. 31st.



Jackson pressed the Browns to trade for McCarron before the trade deadline Oct. 31st, and Haslam stepped in and mandated that the deal get done.



The Browns agreed to surrender a second- and -third round pick to the Bengals, but the Browns waited too long to notify the Bengals, and didn't execute their paperwork in time.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis made it clear right after the botched trade that it shouldn't have fallen through, saying it's a simple process to notify the league.



He took another subtle shot at the Browns regarding the trade during his conference call with Cleveland media on Wednesday.



"No, I was not aware that the deal was done because when I last checked, there had been never any returned call (from the Browns),'' he said. "It was not until after four where I was surprised that they ever did call back. Yes, I am relieved to have A.J. still here, but had it happened, it had happened. We think a lot of A.J., and I'm glad that he is still here and is part of our football team right now."

The sight of Haslam and Jackson talking to McCarron together seemed to support Jackson's belief that Haslam still has his back.

GUYS LISTEN TO ENDLESS LOVE IN THE DARK pic.twitter.com/PEJx2XVQwG — Branman (@Branmancanjam) November 26, 2017

The Browns can still land McCarron

Perhaps the next time Haslam and Jackson talk to McCarron, he'll be wearing Browns garb.

McCarron has filed a grievance against the Bengals to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and if an arbitrator rules in his favor, the Browns can sign him to a multi-year contract.

Of course, that's providing Jackson is coaching the Browns and not the Bengals.

The Bengals wanted Jackson to stick around and replace Lewis in 2018, and still hold him in high regard despite the his 1-25 record with the Browns.

Bengals owner Mike Brown, who thinks so much of Jackson he almost made the first-ever trade between the Browns and Bengals, would still be open to having him succeed Lewis.

Jabrill Peppers active

Peppers was listed as questionable with his ankle injury but is active today. He'll have his hands full against Green and company.