The Cleveland Browns have come to a long-awaited resolution on the contract situation of running back D’Ernest Johnson.
As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns reached an agreement with Johnson on a one-year deal worth up to $2.433 million. The versatile running back will also earn more than $900,000 in guaranteed money for the upcoming 2022 season.
Restricted free-agent running back D’Ernest Johnson reached agreement with the Browns on a one-year deal worth up to $2.433 million, including more than $900,000 in guaranteed money, per his agents @DrewJRosenhaus and @NFLrecord.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 4, 2022
After a third season with the Browns where he recorded career highs across the board, Johnson had a chance to become an unrestricted free agent. Instead of deciding to let him leave over the free agency period, Browns general manager Andrew Berry placed a restricted free agent tender of $2.433 million on him for the 2022 season that included a right-of-first-refusal. The move meant that Johnson could either sign the tender or reach a free agent agreement with another team, although Cleveland would have a chance to match such a contract.
Amid this dilemma, Johnson hired Drew Rosenhaus to be his new agent after signing with Rosenhaus Sports Representation in April. More so, he opted to not hold out while he faced this contract situation, as he has been a regular at the Browns’ voluntary OTAs.
With this new agreement, the Browns will now have four notable running backs for the 2022 campaign. Nick Chubb is slated to be the starter at the position, while Johnson, Kareem Hunt and rookie Jerome Ford will be options to be the former Georgia standout’s go-to backup.
As mentioned, Johnson posted career highs in the 2021 season, including in yards from scrimmage (671).
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