Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

A wide-open Josh Gordon catches a 39-yard touchdown in the Browns' 23-17 loss to Kansas City.

(Joshua Gunther, The Plain Dealer)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Josh Gordon flashed across the middle of field, caught a Jason Campbell pass and tried to make one more big play on a day he stuffed the stat sheet with them.

But after a nine-yard gain to the Cleveland 29, the receiver was tackled as time expired in the game and potentially on his Browns’ career.

The subject of persistent trade rumors, Gordon showed Sunday why other teams want to acquire him and why teammates hope he’s still one of them come Tuesday at 4 p.m.

He caught five passes for 132 yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ 23-17 loss to Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second-year wideout terrorized the Chiefs’ secondary with receptions of 47, 39 and 23 yards.

He became the first Browns receiver since Braylon Edwards in 2008 to have three 100-yard games in the same season. He still has eight games remaining – assuming he stays with the franchise.

“Absolutely, I want him here,” Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson said. “He’s a playmaker.”

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski and team CEO Joe Banner have said the franchise is not shopping Gordon, but the fact he’s one failed drug test from a one-year ban likely has them considering offers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week three teams have contacted the Browns about acquiring Gordon and two have presented packages including a high pick and a player.

While he outran Chiefs defenders, Gordon could not escape more questions regarding the Tuesday trade deadline.

“I’ve already stated my opinion,” he said. “There’s really nothing more to be said on it. I know as much as you guys know. When it happens or if it doesn’t happen, we’ll all know at the same time.

“However it goes it’s beyond me, it’s above me. I will be excited either way. Hopefully, we get some new questions.”

Gordon was asked again if he hopes to remain in the organization.

“I do want to stay in Cleveland,” he said. “Cleveland is my first home, the team I got drafted to. It’s a great place to be. I love the fans in Cleveland and everything about it. But business is business.”

Gordon demonstrated his array of talents against the Chiefs, turning a shallow crossing route in a 47-yard gain and catching a 39-yard TD pass from Campbell off a flea flicker. All eight of his career TDs have been 20-plus yards.

“I feel like I’m where I want to be,” he said regarding his level of play. “I’m not saying I’m playing at a superb level. I still don’t feel I’ve reached my full potential and I’m always going to feel like that until I’m done playing the game.”

Many Browns fans hope that happens in Cleveland.